Wednesday May 2, 2018 edition

The

VOX POPULI SACRUM

WEDNESDAY May 2, 2018

racle

Today

www.oraclenews.ng

ISSN: 2545-5869

VOL.3 No.17 N200

President breaks law on $1b from Crude Account THE ORACLE COMMENT W HEN the National Economic Council (NEC), last December gave President Muhammadu Buhari approval to withdraw $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account (ECA), we raised alarm about the possible abuses that would follow. NEC was helping President Buhari to conclude a well-laid out plan to circumvent constitutional and legal provisions for expending national funds AT what stage did the insurgency

in the North East resurrect to warrant such huge expenditure?

• Boko Haram has been defeated since December 2015, according to Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information. He told journalists in Lagos on Tuesday December 29, 2015 that Boko Haram had been technically defeated, and degraded be-

yond any threat. What was left, he concluded, was the re-settlement of displaced persons.

• In December 2016, the government claimed Boko Haram had lost its last strongholds in Sambisa Forest.

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari had also likened suicide bombings

by Boko Haram terrorists to the last kicks of a ‘dying horse’. What we are witnessing now are the last kicks of a dying horse. Yes, these kicks may be dangerous, but they don’t last long. Progressively, they become weaker and weaker until the horse finally dies,” the President had said over a year ago.

Who gave governors approval over the funds?

Were the governors aware they threw away resources that belonged to their States in favour of the North East? What is their interest in the North East that beclouds them to the challenges their States face?

Would their State Houses of Assembly permit this travesty? Would the National Assembly recline to

Cont’d on page 24

2019: Where are all presidential hopefuls?

• Buhari has not scared anybody • Many young, vibrant persons warming up • PDP may go into merger, adopt new name • Atiku, Dakwambo push frontiers in S/East

• Senator Dino Melaye being wheeled into a private hospital in Abuja after his encounter with the police

IPOB: Judgment day for Abaribe From CHIDI UGWU, Abuja

T

HURSDAY, 26 April 2018, Senator Enyinnaya Harcourt Abari-

Page 2

be, Jewish religious leader High Priest, Emmanu El- Salom Oka BenMadu and an accountant, Mr. Tochukwu Uchendu, would stand be-

fore Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Would they be jailed?

Justice Nyako, at the pre-

Cont’d on page 2

From CHUKS EZE, Enugu; BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia; COLLINS UGHALAA, Owerri; ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar; CHUKS COLLINS, Awka and IBE NWACHUKWU, Onitsha

I

f the traditional and social media din generated

by President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent announcement of his bid for a second term is anything to go by, then there are sufficient grounds to believe that many a Nigerian is not thrilled by what many have described as “an over-ambitious, albeit constitutional, political step, which does not seem to take into account limitations imposed on the President by age and ill-health.”

But, while many had expected that the seeming unpopularity of the President’s decision would spur activities in alternative presidential camps, all has practically remained quiet in such camps thereby prompting the question: just where are the presidential hopefuls?

This “disturbing quietness” nevertheless comes against the backdrop of many speculations and permutations that have been made about the contest for the 2019 presidential contest and the likely aspirants.

With many of the major parties zoning the presidency to the North against

Cont’d on page 2

FG gives Ezeibe green light on HIV/AIDS research

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2018

NEWS

FG gives Ezeibe green light on HIV/AIDS research From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

T

here appears to be light at the end of the tunnel for Dr Maduike Ezeibe, the inventor of the drug for curing HIV/AIDS, as the federal government has given him the nod to source funds to complete his research.

This approval is coming on the heels of an invitation to Ezeibe to deliver a lecture on his medicine at an international conference in Asia.

Latest developments in the process to authenticate Ezeibe’s drug, the Medicinal Synthetic Aluminium-Magnesium Silicate (MSAMS), indicate that the federal government has approved that the scientist who is the Head of Department of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), should approach the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to get more money that should be

• Govt. has seen merit in my claim – Ezeibe

ploughed into further research into his research result.

This is contained in a letter from the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology (FMST), addressed to Ezeibe.

The letter, which was obtained

by The Oracle Today was dated March 27, 2018 and signed by Director, Health and Biomedical Science Department, Dr. Manasseh Gwaza, for the Minister, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu. It is entitled: “Authentication Of The Nigerian Antiretroviral Medicine: The Medicinal Synthetic Aluminium-Magnesium Silicate.”

The letter read in part: “Please recall that you requested for collaboration with Federal Ministry of Science and Technology (FMST) on the commercialization of a product (Medicinal Synthetic Aluminium-Magnesium Silicate

(MSAMS) discovered for the cure of HIV/AIDS; subsequently, the Honourable Minister of Science and Technology (HMST) approved the constitution of an Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee which was inaugurated on 19th December, 2017 and had a follow-up meeting on 23rd February, 2018 to evaluate the researcher’s claim on the discovery of a cure for HIV/ AIDs and to ascertain if the research result was in conformity with national and international best practices.”

According to Gwaza who is also the Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Committee which has Prof Zubairu Iliasu of Federal Ministry of Health as Chairman, the meeting resolved among other things: “That Prof. Maduike should source funds from TETFUND for further research to be conduct-

ed on his research result,” adding that “if necessary, the Inter-Ministerial Committee should forward a letter to TETFUND recommending Prof. Ezeibe in order to facilitate the provision of grant for further research.”

The letter further directed that “reports from the Experts Committees of Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) and the letter from National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) requesting Prof.

Ezeibe to provide evidence of approval for clinical trials should be harmonised.”

Also, the letter added that “the Inter-Ministerial Committee should advise Prof. Maduike to conduct further research on his research result,” which necessi-

tated the approval for Ezeibe to approach TETFund for more funds.

Recall that Ezeibe broke the cheering news of his discovery of the antiretroviral drug for the cure of HIV/AIDS in February 2017, but the news was quickly mired in controversy as experts accused Ezeibe of not towing the formal route for the announcement of such scientific discoveries.

Not daunted, Ezeibe wrote to the federal government, requesting authentication of his claims and more funds to conclude his research which was at the clinical trials stage.

He equally approached the Senate, praying the upper chamber of the National Assembly to persuade the Executive arm of the federal government to investigate his claim, insisting that his drug would boost the nation’s economy even more than crude oil.

According to him, apart from curing HIV/AIDS, MSAMS could be

Cont’d on page 41

2019

Continued from Pg 1

• In commemoration of 2018 World Malaria Day, AIICO Insurance Plc has donated mosquito nets among other items to Internally Displace Persons camps in the North Eastern part of the country. This was made possible through AIICO’s partnership with the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NCRS).

From left: Akinwunmi Olaseni (Head, Life Underwriting, AIICO), Olakunle Lasisi (Branch Secretary, NRCS), Sarah Adeniran (Group Head, Brokers Management, AIICO), Engr. Mobolaji Onibodu (Branch Chairman, NRCS) Oluwole Apata (Head, Group Life Sales, AIICO) and Gloria Chiekwe (Admin Officer, NRCS).

Nnamdi Kanu: Judgment day for Abaribe Continued from Pg 1

vious hearing had adjourned the case to this date, and the matter she had slated for decision was the production of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, in court. If they failed, they risked losing their surety, in the sum of N100m or be committed to jail.

The three persons stood surety for Kanu, who has been missing since September 2017. In court, they are to show cause why they should not be committed to prison over Kanu’s repeated failure to appear for continuation of his trial, or why the N100million they individually deposited to secure his bail should not be forfeited to the Federal Government.

Alternatively, the court said the sureties were at liberty to produce the IPOB leader on 26 April, an order that Senator Abaribe had start-

ed disputing last November, when he asked to be de-listed from the case, considering that the military invaded Kanu’s home in Afaraukwu, Umuahia, after which he had not been seen.

Last November, the Senator had told the court that the Chief of Army Staff should be held responsible for the whereabouts of Kanu, since Kanu had not been seen after the army’s invasion of his home.

He had requested that the court visit Kanu’s home to see first hand, the visible traces of the encounter at his Afaraukwu home.

Justice Nyako had on April 25, 2017, released Kanu on bail on health grounds after he had spent a year and seven months in detention.

To secure Kanu’s release, Abaribe, El-Shalom and Uchendu, on April 28, signed an undertaking to

ensure his attendance in court.

Nevertheless, the whereabouts of the IPOB leader has remained unknown since September last year.

Abaribe had earlier prayed the court to de-list him as one of the sureties in the matter, stressing that Kanu “has not been seen again nor reached on phone by the Applicant, neither is he reported in any news media as seen by any person, nor made any statement on any issue”.

Kanu was hitherto facing fivecount treasonable felony charge alongside four pro-Biafra agitators- Bright Chimezie, Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.

Aside allegation that he imported Radio transmitter known as TRAM 50L, which was concealed in a container that was declared as used household items, for the

purpose of using same to disseminate information about secession plans by the IPOB, the federal government also alleged that Kanu had “on or about the 28th April, 2015 in London, United Kingdom did in a broadcast on Radio Biafra monitored in Enugu, Enugu State and other parts of Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, referred to Major General Muhammadu Buhari, GCON, President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a pedophile, a terrorist, an idiot and an embodiment of evil, knowing same to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 375 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C. 38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004”.

The court had since separated Kanu’s trial from that of his co-defendants.

2019, it is understandable that most of the permutations and or speculations have been built around potential aspirants from the North.

From former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar to former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso; Senate President, Bukola Saraki to Sokoto State governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and from Sule Lamido to Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State, there are, on the surface, enough presidential aspirants to generate sufficient interest of the electorate to change the narrative from whether or not Buhari should run to who among the line-up of presidential hopefuls would command enough national support to stop Buhari come next year.

“But, a lot of the individuals being speculated as likely to throw their hats in the ring don’t appear to have the courage of their convictions yet. All is rather too quiet on their ‘presidential’ fronts yet,” said a spokesman of a governorship aspirant in one of the Eastern States. “And I find it disturbing. By now, it should no longer be about Buhari, given the many deficits he seems to be coming to the table with this time around but about one or two of the very serious presidential aspirants.”

In September last year when he announced his bid for the presidency in 2019, governor of Ekiti State Ayodele Fayose, a prominent member of the PDP, was believed to have taken that step to spur the ‘real’ presidential aspirants from the North to show greater interest and begin to generate momentum.

Down South, in addition to Fayose, former deputy governor of the CBN, Dr. Kingsley Moghalu; motivational speaker Fela Durotoye; former governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke and several others have also indicated interest to run for president.

However, eight months down the line, neither Fayose’s campaigns nor those of the ‘real’ aspirants he meant to spur on have made any appreciable impact in

Cont’d on page 41

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2018

Hon Amaechi Hanson empowers Abayi Ward I T

HE humble, honest and hardworking chairman of Obingwa LGA, Hon Amaechi Hanson (Abacha) will give out these items to his people in appreciation of their support towards his election as the four democratically elected Executive Chairman of Obingwa LGA. Some of the items included: 1. Toyota Camry V6 XLE 2. 500 KVA transformer 3. Barbing saloon equipment 4. Welding machine and equipment

5. Motorcycle 6. Generating set 7. Food processor 8. Cassava grinding machine 9. Seed funds for business 10. Vulcanising machine 11. Other gifts

former in addition to a Toyota Haice 18 seater Bus purchased under his administration and presented to NULGE on 16 April 2018.

In a short time the chairman will commence the massive electrification of Obeala, Umuikoro, Umuokpulor and Umuguru villages in a bid to banish darkness from Abayi Ward 1, as the Ihe of Abayi Ancient Kingdom a These items were in appreciation for all the party faith- chieftaincy title bestowed on him by HRM Eze Dr I.K fuls did for him as candidate of the PDP. Nwabiaraije Eneogwe JP, which confers on him the traThe Chairman had already given out a 300KVA trans- ditional responsibility to illuminate darkness with light every where, a bidding he is living up to.

The Abayi Ward 1 PDP empowerment which held in Obeala Village on 18 April 2018 is the 6th in the series of empowerment programmes by Hon Hanson Beneficiaries 1. Sampson Kelvin Enyinnaya 2.Mrs. Uruchi Micha- Ladies motorcycle 3. Mr. Abraham Olikpe - Vulcanizing machine 4.Obinna Uzoigwe - Weldering machine 5.Obioma Nwankpa (deaf and dumb) 6.Otuka Silas (deaf and dumb) - Babering equipment 7. Transformer to Obeala village

• Hon Hanson addressing party members of Abayi Ward 1 as the showers of blessings poured

Dignitaries at the event 1. Chief Issac A. Ogbonna, SA to Gov on Inter-State and Diaspora Matters 2. Chief Seth Agomuo, SA to Gov on Grassroots Mobilisation 3. Chief Okey Frank, President Eastern Ngwa Country Sports Club, (Chairman of the event) 4. Mr. Monday Onyeulo ( PDP Abayi Ward 1 Chairman) 5 Lady Carol Uzoije, PDP Woman’s Leader Obingwa LGA 6. Mazi Kingsley Nnaji (Kimbo) PDP Chairman Obingwa LGA

• The car that Hon Hanson gave to one of the beneficiaries

• The women group that attended the event

• Chairman of the ocassion, Chief Okey Frank cutting the tape with other dignatries

• Some of the empowerment items

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2018

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

Don’t convert residential buildings to religious premises – Lagos warns landlords

By VICTOR NZE

L

agos State Government, Monday, has warned property owners to desist from converting their residential buildings to religious premises in a bid to avoid payment of the harmonised Land Use Charge.

State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, gave the warning at the

annual ministerial briefing as part of activities marking the third anniversary of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode in office.

“Do not convert your residential premises to religious premises.

Many do that for the sake of being protected from paying their Land Use Charge; that we will not be tolerated. Whatever we want to do, let us keep ourselves within the ambit of the law,” AbdulLateef said.

He said that the government had excluded religious institutions from payment of the land use charge.

The commissioner urged residents to report religious bodies that caused noise pollution in their environs so that they could be engaged regularly by the ministry.

He urged all religious institutions to get registered with the government as it would be at no cost to them, adding that over 13,000 reli-

gious institutions had so far been registered across the state.

According to him, the strategy of the ministry is to engage religious bodies to be registered with the state government with a view to protecting their interests in state policies.

AbdulLateef also said that the government had saved N4.5 billion that would have been spent on sponsoring pilgrimages in the last 3 years.

Plateau generated N3.09bn IGR in Q1 2018

Farmers, herders in Kachia resolve to sustain peace

lateau Government, Tuesday declared N3.09 billion InternalPly Generated Revenue (IGR) in the

first quarter of 2018.

Chairman, Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS), Mr Dashe Arlat, who made this known in in Jos, said the revenue collected during the period was the highest ever in the history of the service.

“Looking back at what (N2.5 billion) we generated during the same period under review in 2017, we have an increase of about N600 million this year, ’’ he said.

Arlat described the collection as very huge and encouraging and attributed the development to the renewed vigour of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and staff of PSIRS in the New Year.

According to him, the MDAs and PSRIS have been holding series of workshops and stakeholders meetings toward better and workable means of improving the revenue collection of the state.

He said that the feat was achieved due to tremendous improvements in collection of the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and levies and charges by the MDAs and the PSIRS. The chairman gave the monthly analysis showing January as having the highest collection of N1.27 billion, February N828.65 million and March N997.22 million.

“At the beginning of the year, we set a target of nothing less than a N1 billion as our monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) toward strengthening and improving government’s provision of basic social amenities to the citizens of the state.

“As it is now, with what we have so far generated, we have gotten there and we hope to improve on it as we move on in the year,’’ Arlat said.

He said that the staff of the ministry of tourism had been going out to ensure that all hotels, events centres, drinking spots and viewing centres, among others, were duly captured and registered for payment of taxes and levies.

Arlat said that all other MDAs would soon follow suit, especially the ministry of lands and physical planning.

“This has been diverted into the construction of roads and other amenities to make life easier for residents,’’ he said.

Abdulalteef said that the government had instead provided welfare facilities to ensure that pilgrims had a good time during their pilgrimage.

According to the commissioner, the government would not rest on its oars, but strive harder for peace and progress of the state.

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Vice President Yemi Osinbajo , read with the pupils of LEA Nursery/Primary School, Life Camp, Abuja a short biography on Nigeria’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe on the occasion of the 2018 World Book and Copyright Day.

Killing of another Nigerian in S/Africa ‘unfortunate’ – FG

Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs Sandenior Diaspora, Mrs Abike dabiri –

Erewa has described the killing of Clement Nwaogu, another Nigerian in Rustenburg, South Africa as unfortunate.

Dabiri-Erewa, in a statement in Abuja, Monday, condemned the burning of Nwaogu to death by a mob in the latest xenophobia attack in South Africa.

She called on South African authorities to find lasting solution to the incessant killing of Nigerians in that country.

She also urged Nigerians living abroad to obey the laws of countries where they lived, and avoid crime and criminality to avoid unwarranted attacks and killings.

The killing of Nwaogu comes less than 10 days after another Nigerian, ThankGod Okoro, 30.

The Presidential aide said Rustenburg, where the incident happened was a particularly hostile and a volatile community.

She noted that 14 Nigerians who protested the killing of a fellow citizen in that country North West Province some months ago were still in detention.

She said though a bailable offence, the judge had been threatened not to release them.

“Just a few days ago, on April 17, the case came up in court. There was so much tension that even

the Nigerian lawyers representing the Nigerians had to be escorted to court by Diplomatic police. The community has vowed to deal with anyone who plays a positive role in getting the accused Nigerians return to Rustenberg,” she said.

She said that the Nigerian mission in Pretoria and the consulate in Johannesburg had done everything possible, in the recent past, to get justice for Nigerians in South Africa.

“Four South African policemen are currently in court for allegedly killing and maltreating Nigerians with embassy officials constantly present in court for the hearings.

This is the first time this will be happening.

“However, the early warning signals put in place by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interiors of both countries need to be reviewed.”

It would be recalled that the Nigerian Community in South Africa had earlier in the week announced the killing of Clement Nwaogu, who was burnt alive by a mob in the latest xenophobia attack in that country.

Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Union in South Africa, Mr Habib Miller, who confirmed the killing from Pretoria, Monday, said the victim, a native of Njikoka in Anambra and an upholsterer in

South Africa, was attacked and killed by a mob in Rustenburg, North West Province.

Miller said that the victim was murdered in cold blood over his accent and habit, which the mobsters supposedly found offensive.

“The mob descended on him like a common criminal with all sorts of dangerous weapons in the presence of South African police officers. Eyewitnesses say the victim beckoned for help from the police to intervene and help him, but they turned a blind eye.

“When Nwaogu could no longer persevere, he ran for safety; the mob chased and caught him, poured petrol on him and set him ablaze,” he said.

Miller said that the mob then left Nwaogu when they thought he had died.

The spokesman said that shortly after the mob left Nwaogu that some passersby called emergency personnel, who later took the victim’s charred body to the hospital.

“The eyewitnesses feeling that the victim was still alive called for help; unfortunately, Nwaogu could not survive the ordeal and died at Job Shimankane Hospital in Rustenburg,” he said.

Records show that no fewer than 118 Nigerians have been killed in South Africa since February, 2016.

armers and cattle herders in Kachia, Kachia Local Government area of Kaduna State have pledged to maintain peaceful coexistence amongst themselves.

The resolution was reached on Tuesday at a meeting held under the auspices of Kachia All Tribes Association held in Kachia.

Leader of the organising committee, Malam Yusuf Garba said the event, organised in partnership with Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, was to further strengthen ties between the two groups.

Garba said the meeting was against the backdrop of the approaching rains which marked the commencement of farming activities.

“This meeting would promote mutual trust and understanding with a view to ensuring harmony among all communities in Kachia local government,” he said.

Garba commended the participants for demonstrating resilience and willingness to sustain mutual understanding and tolerance among them.

In a remark, the Administrator of the Local Council, Hajia Zulai Jaafaru said the council welcomed the initiative targeted at promoting peace in the area.

Represented by Muhammad Tanko, the Secretary in the local government, Jaafaru urged the people to continue to be agents of peace for meaningful development.

The traditional ruler of Agom Adara, Chief Maiwada Galadima, commended the people of the chiefdom for the peace being enjoyed and urged them to sustain it.

Represented by Mr Moses Stephen, a Council member of the Chiefdom, Galadima enjoined the people to always monitor and report movements of people with questionable character in their midst to appropriate authorities.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2017

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

5 National Theatre’s directors docked over N.5m gratification

By VICTOR NZE

ive directors of the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu-Lagos, Fwere, Monday, brought before a

Federal High Court, Lagos, by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, for allegedly receiving the sum of N500, 000, from a contractor.

The five directors include; George Ufot Ukanta, Abiodun Abe, Femi Joel, Ndubuisi Nwogu and Mrs. Doris Okafor, said to be the wife of a retired army General.

However, the arraignment of the five directors was stalled due to the absence of Mrs. Okafor, who said to be admitted at the Military Hospital, Ikoyi-Lagos.

After calling the four accused into the dock, their lawyer, Mr. Adamu Mohammed, informed the court that the fifth accused, Mrs. Okafor, whom he said was having medical history, was in court this morning, but rushed to the Military Hospital, and two soldiers brought her medical report.

Adamu also told the court that they knew about the charge through media, and that his clients were served of the charge in the court premises, at about 2 p.m. He also told the court that the name of Mrs. Okafor was different from what is on the charge, though, the prosecution had amended that but not with court’s leave to do so.

The accused’s lawyer also told the court that they have filed two applications, one challenging the court’s jurisdiction, and the other motion for accused bail.

However, he pleaded with the court to fix another date for the arraignment of his clients, due to the absence of Mrs. Okafor.

Responding, the prosecutor, Dr. Colsus Ukpong, told the court that Mrs. Okafor have been evading service of the charge. He said that the medical report on her was another ploy to evade the arraignment.

Ukpong also told the court that he intended asking for a bench warrant against Mrs. Okafor, but court should use its discretion to on the service of the charge against Mrs. Okafor, and to ask her lawyer to receive the charge on her behalf.

In respond, Okafor’s lawyer, Adamu, received the charge on her behalf.

After receiving the charge, Justice Sule Hassan adjourned the arraignment of the accused persons till May 14.

The five accused persons, according to the charge marked FHC/L/282c/18, were alleged to have on January 16, 2017, obtained the sum of N500, 000, from a commercial firm, Market Execution Solution Limited, which has a contract with the federal government of Nigeria, in the course of discharging their duty.

The offences are contrary to Section 10(1) g& (2) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, and punishable under section 1(2) & and 10(1)(a) of the Recovery of the Public Property (Special Provisions) Act.

New minimum wage to determine Corps members’ allowance –NYSC Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig-Gen. Sulaiman Kazaure, says the increase in corps members’ monthly allowance would be determined by the new national minimum wage when it takes effect.

The NYSC boss stated this, Monday, while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after the swearing-in ceremony of the 2018 Batch ‘A’ corps members at the NYSC orientation camp in Kusalla, Karaye Local Government Area of

Kano state.

According to him, “our efforts to ensure that the monthly allowance of the corps members is increased have yielded a very good result following series of discussion with the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige”.

Kazaure added that the N18, 800 paid to them is grossly inadequate to carter for their needs during the mandatory one year service to the nation.

“The Federal Government had

set-up a committee to look into the upward review of the Minimum Wage which he said will also determine the increase of the corps members’ allowance.

“We have been assured that when the new minimum wage takes effect, also the corps members allowance will be reviewed upward”, Kazaure assured.

The NYSC DG also disclosed that 82,000 corps members were deployed nationwide for the 2018 Batch ‘A’ orientation course

across various states except those with security challenges.

In his remarks, the Kano state Governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje urged the corps members to shun all acts capable of denting the image of the scheme or which would sour their relationship with the camp officials.

“You are to be guided by the sense of duty and discipline at all times, that would undoubtedly lead you to succeed in your entire life”, Ganduje said.

FG, ECOWAS to host regional conference, April 26

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• Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki with Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu on a visit to Mrs. Sandra Davou, Senate Sergeant-at-Arms, who was injured when the Mace was snatched at the senate chambers

Fayose to corpers: Don’t allow politicians to use you

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overnor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, has described Nigerian youths as the best in the world, just as he advised the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members not to allow politicians use them to rig elections or do evil.

The governor was reacting to statements credited to President Mohammadu Buhari saying that many Nigeria youths below the age of 30 are lazy and only wait for cheap services and easy way out.

According to a press statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, Governor Fayose who told the 2,300 corps members deployed to Ekiti during the swearing-in ceremony, Monday, at Ise-Ekiti orientation camp, that Nigerian leaders believe strongly in them, their industry and strength of character amid daunting socioeconomic odds, urged them to keep hope alive as a new, younger and energetic leader would soon emerge to better their lot.

“Without being immodest, I join other Nigerians to condemn the statement that undermines our youth, describing them as lazy, I rather say our youths are the best in the world.

“With great determination and lack of opportunities, you have been forging ahead and struggling to make it; we believe in you, that you are the best, the

entertainment industry is greatly populated by the youths and you have fetched great fortune for the country. So, it is inappropriate to say you are lazy. We need younger and energetic Nigerian as next President. I assure you of our best hospitality and protection.”

Governor Fayose said the need to advise the corps members and identify with them and made him to personally grace the occasion.

He appealed to the young graduates not to be tools for election rigging in the forthcoming governorship poll in Ekiti “I will never ask you to do anything that is unbecoming of Nigerian youths, the country looks up to you in the coming elections. Please don’t allow any politicians to influence you to rig including myself.

“Run away from inducement and politicians that would call your attention to do evil. You will be remembered for whatever you did.

The lord will keep all of you for me.

The youths should not allow themselves to be used for thuggery or to rig elections by the politicians.

“If I, Ayo Fayose, asked you to rig election for me, you should decline. Your parents have spent fortunes on you to be a graduate, you should not disappoint them. Those politicians will never call out their children to die. Don’t allow yourselves to be used.

“Those of you that are being sworn in today will be around when the governorship election will hold in July, don’t allow yourselves to be used. Your parents expect you to return home alive, hale and hearty,” he said.

inister of Interior, retired Lt.Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, says the Federal Government in collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission, will host a sub-regional ministerial meeting on April 26 in Abuja.

Dambazau said the ministerial meeting would come up with solutions to the challenges posed by the recurrent conflicts between herders and farmers in the region.

He disclosed this in a statement issued by the Director, Press & Public Relations of the Interior Ministry, Mr Hassan Dodo, Monday in Abuja, ahead of the meeting which would involve the countries in the ECOWAS sub-region.

The minister said the meeting would take place on Thursday, April 26 at ECOWAS Commission, Abuja, and would be preceded by Governmental Experts Meeting from April 24 to April 25.

He said the meeting was informed by the need to adopt a coordinated regional approach in addressing the escalation of cases of conflicts between herders and farmers.

Dambazau said the meeting would also address the attendant killings, disruption of socio-economic activities, and displacement of citizens in almost all the countries in the region.

Ajimobi assures NYSC members of security, welfare

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overnor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, Monday said his administration was committed to ensuring adequate welfare and security of members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to the state.

Ajimobi, represented by his deputy, Chief Moses Adeyemo, said this at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2018 batch “A” corps members deployed to the state, at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Iseyin.

He assured the corps members of the warm reception awaiting them in their places of primary assignments.

“I assure you that you will enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the entire people of the state throughout the period of your one-year national service,” he said.

The governor noted that NYSC remained the unifying chord that held

the country together, adding that the scheme provided youths, who prior to its establishment, were strangers to the diverse culture of other parts of Nigeria.

Ajimobi remarked that the orientation programme was designed to inculcate discipline in youths and instill in them a tradition of hard work, integrity and patriotism to Nigeria wherever they were posted.

“To curb the alarming rate of unemployment, you are enjoined to acquire more knowledge through personal development skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development training during the period of orientation course,” he said.

Earlier, the state NYSC’s Coordinator, Mrs Ifeoma Anidobi, said 2,412 corps members were registered, comprising 1143 males and 1269 females.

The Oracle Today

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Wednesday May 2, 2018

NEWS

Chevron’s GMoU helping Nigeria meet United Nations’ SDGs – Negerese

By VICTOR NZE

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HAIRMAN of the Dodo River Communities Development Association (DRDA), Mr. Berry Negerese has described Chevron Nigeria Limited’s Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) platform as a veritable instrument for meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the Niger Delta region.

DRDA is one of the Regional Development Committees under the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) between the Bayelsa State government, Dodo River communities and Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL).

Negerese gave the indication recently at the official handover of the Amatu II Cottage Hospital, by the Dodo River Communities Rural Development Association (DRDA) to the Bayelsa State Government for proper management and integration into the State’s Health scheme.

Negerese stressed the importance of the GMoU to sustainable development of the communities in the Niger Delta and stated that the community engagement model pioneered

by Chevron has engendered capacity building for the communities to own and operate their development process in a participatory and transparent manner.

The DRDA boss thanked the Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Seriake Dickson for the successful takeover of the hospital and commended the efforts of Chief Hon. Fredrick Yeiteimone

Agbedi (the House of Representatives Member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency) and other stakeholders in facilitating the successful State’s takeover of the facility.

Negerese explained that the 45-bed hospital has a medical laboratory, pharmacy store, operating room, Doctors, Nurses and Medical Corps’ lodge, delivery room, post-natal room, functional water system, water ambulance, 50KVA generating plant with a generator house and a Jetty. The hospital is also connected to the community’s 100 KVA generator.

Remarking, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA), Chevron Nigeria, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, commended the state government’s action describing it as a progression of the GMoU and a way of helping Nigeria meet its Sustainable Development Goals.

“This project addresses one of the three targets of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is a validation of the sustainability plan of the GMoU,” Brikinn said.

He further revealed that Since 2005 when CNL pioneered the GMoU as a community-led participatory partnership model for community engagement and sustainable development, the company continues to contribute funding (running into billions of naira) to the Regional Development Committees (RDCs) that represent the communities in its area of operations to execute hundreds of projects in the communities

Stolen mace: FG plotted senate’s invasion – Wike

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ivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the invasion of the Senate was an official plot by the Federal Government to overthrow the Senate Leadership.

Governor Wike also declared that the Federal Government is still plotting to frame him, saying that the latest plan hatched by the Federal Government is for someone programmed by the Security Agencies to claim that he received $3million from the Rivers State Governor.

He spoke during 105th Annual Convention of the Nigerian Baptist Convention at Ndele, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State on Sunday.

The governor said: “They plotted to overthrow the leadership of the Senate, but they failed. What you saw was a horrible design to remove the senate leadership.

“If you know the Security architecture of the National Assembly, nobody can go in easily and leave easily without the gates being shut. These people entered and left unchallenged. When the Senate gave the Police a 24hour ultimatum to find the mace, our Nigerian Police became so efficient that they traced the Mace to where it

was left under the bridge” The governor said it was unfortunate that the President went abroad to de-market the country by claiming that the youths are lazy.

He said no investor will invest his resources in a country where the youth lacks productive capacity.

Governor Wike called on Nigerians to work towards a new administration at the Federal level in 2019, noting that the collapse of national security, welfare and development are enough reasons for a change of direction.

“We are not looking for people who will give us excuses. Since they cannot work, they should allow those with capacity to take over in 2019,” he said.

In his sermon, President of Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev Sampson Ayokunle directed all churches in Nigeria to process around their worship centres to call for the end of senseless killings in the country.

Ayokunle said the procession will also serve as a call for the release of Leah Sharibu and the remaining Chibok girls held in captivity, just as he decried the rate at which the Federal Government allowed ‘senseless killings to fester across the country.’

through a governance model that ensures transparency and accountability.

“The projects which cover the areas of education, health, housing, scholarships, economic development, etc., have benefitted over 600,000 people and assisted in enhancing the quality of life in these communities,” he added.

On his part, State Governor, Seriake Dickson, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ebitimitula Etebu applauded Chevron for contributing to improved medical care

in the Dodo River communities of the State.

He assured that doctors and medical Corp members would always be posted to the hospital to ensure that there are always capable and adequate hands to run the hospital, while also stressing that officials from State Ministry of Health will visit from time to time to ascertain the state of the facility and possible areas to improve services.

Chairman, House of Reps Committee on Gas, Hon. Agbedi, who attended the event, also expressed delight over the

takeover of the hospital by the State government which he said will assure its sustainability.

In his goodwill message, the Pere of Iduwini Kingdom HRM Joel E. Ibane, appreciated Chevron for the GMoU and urged the community to provide an enabling environment for the medical personnel to be posted to the hospital to perform their duties, while calling on the State government to ensure that the facility is wellutilized.

• Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health, Bayelsa, representing Governor Seriake Dickson, Prof. Ebitimitula Etebu, cutting the tape to commission the Amatu II Cottage Hospital built by the Dodo River Communities Development Association (DRDA), under Chevron’s GMoU platform.

NYSC swears in 2,296 corps members in A/Ibom INI BILLIE, Uyo

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HE National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Akwa Ibom State has sworn in 2,296 corps members deployed to the state for the 2018 Batch ‘A’ orientation exercise.

Speaking during the swearingin ceremony in Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai local government area, Akwa Ibom state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel promised to reward excellence among the corps members and provide an enabling environment for them to succeed during their service year.

He encouraged the corps members to be worthy ambassadors of the scheme and assured that their lives and property will be safe during their stay in the state, adding that the government will continue to improve facilities in the camp.

The governor who was represented by the deputy governor, Mr Moses Ekpo said the deployment of the corps members to the state was an opportunity for them to contribute their quota to the development of the state and warned against their involvement in risky behaviours.

“The government will not relent in providing the enabling environment for you to succeed, and also sustain her tradition of

rewarding excellence through awards and recognition. I therefore admonish you to exhibit character of worthy ambassadors and indeed leaders of tomorrow to earn these accolades.

“I assure you that your lives and property will be safe while you are here. But let me warn that you should not indulge in risky behaviours that may be detrimental to your lives. While we continue in our efforts to improve on the camp facilities, I urge you to make do with what is available and guard them jealously”.

State Coordinator of the scheme, Mr Julius Amusan said the scheme was designed at moulding the corps members into responsible citizens and encouraged them to actively participate in the training programmes during the three weeks exercise.

“We registered a total of 2,296 corps members comprising 1143 male and 1153 female. This figure cuts across discipline of medicine, pharmacy, engineering, sciences, social-science, education, finance, administration and humanities. Assuredly, Akwa Ibom state will benefit immensely from the pool of their knowledge.

“The increase in population of corps members being deployed to the state has significantly exerted pressure on the existing

facilities in the camp. Our hostel accommodation barely contains the corps members and camp officials. I therefore implore the youth friendly governor to come to our aid and complete the projects he graciously initiated in the camp to alleviate our inconveniences” he noted.

C’River Assembly approves state govt’s Ecobank loan application

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he Cross River State House of Assembly has granted approval to the State Government to obtain N1, 286, 383 million from Ecobank Plc for the payment of counterpart funds to the State Basic Education Board, to execute 1st - 4th quarters, 2017 UBE intervention projects.

The House gave the approval in a resolution following its deliberation on a letter forwarded to it by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Tina Banku Agbor, requesting members’ consent for the loan facility.

According to Banku Agbor, the Federal Government has allocated the same amount as statutory allocation of UBE Matching Grant to Cross River State adding that in compliance with section 11(2) of the UBE Act 2014, the Universal Basic Education Commission requires the State Governor to provide an equivalent amount as counterpart fund.

The Oracle Today

7

Wednesday May 2, 2018

NEWS

No court order restraining Imo from conducting LG poll – Okorocha G OVERNOR Rochas Okorocha has insisted that there is no Supreme Court order restraining the Imo state government from conducting the planed Local Government election and insisted that the election must be conducted as scheduled.

Okorocha disclosed this in a press statement signed by his Chief press Secretary Mr sam Onwuemeodo on Monday.

He said the clarification has become necessary following a false rumor being carried by former LGA chairmen that a Supreme Court order has been obtained to restrain government from conducting the proposed election.

It will be recalled that Okorocha had announce plan to con-

duct LGA election after seven years in power.

However, a rumor recently emerged that Supreme Court has restrained the government from conducting the planed election.

Okorocha, in the statement, challenged those carrying the rumor to publish the court order for the public to judge.

According to the release, former LGA chairmen who took Imo government to court have lost both in the high and appeal court.

It further stated that the matter, which was before the Supreme Court was adjourned to December, adding that it has nothing to do with the planed LGA election scheduled by ISEC.

Wike set to commission 34 projects on 3rd anniversary

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hirty Four (34) projects will be ready for commissioning during the third anniversary of the Wike administration, the State Government has announced.

This was one of the resolutions of the State Executive Council Meeting presided over by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike on Thursday.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Information and Communication Commissioner, Emma Okah said all the 34 projects are at their final stages of completion.

He informed that a State Executive Council Committee has been set up for the disbursement of the Monthly N200million Interest Free Loans set aside for traders and young entrepreneurs.

The State Executive Council urged interested traders and youths to take advantage of the loan facility to boost their businesses.

The State Executive Council was also briefed on the completion of the fencing of Bishop Okoye Street to keep street traders away from the road.

The Information and Communication Commissioner said following the expiration of the grace period, the full implementation of

the ban on street trading in Port Harcourt will commence.

He said the State Executive Council Task Force will carry out From left: Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; Ogun State the implementation of the ban on •Governor, Ibikunle Amosun; and the the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, during the African Drum Festistreet trading. val, 2018, which held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta.

Deploy more DDCMs in Ivo council -- Ebonyi lawmaker urges INEC

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legislator in the Ivo Local Government Area Legislative Council of Ebonyi, Mr Paulinus Okoro, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deploy more Direct Data Capturing Machines (DDCM) in the area.

Okoro made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Ishiagu, Ebonyi.

According to him, the deployment of more DDCMs to the local government area will boost voters’ registration and make the process more accessible to prospective voters.

He said that three DDCMs deployed to local government areas were not enough to fast-track the exercise.

The legislator noted that getting more eligible voters registered in Ivo as well as other local govern-

ment areas of the state was critical to achieving credible elections in 2019.

He commended the Ebonyi Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Godswill Obioma, for introducing strategies for the mobilisation of eligible voters to register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

He also lauded Gov. Dave Umahi on the declaration of a workfree day to allow civil servants travel to their various communities for the exercise.

“The latest figures released by INEC in Ebonyi indicate that Ivo Local Government Area is the least in first quarter of 2018 Continues Voter Registration (CVR) with about 3,100 registered voters.

“Although the figure is an improvement from previous figures released by INEC, we are not

APC chieftain condemns desperation among politicians

By COLLINS UGHALAA

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chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, Chief Darlington Benjamin Chimezie, who is running for the Ikeduru State Constituency ticket at the Imo State Assembly come 2019, has condemned what he termed desperate actions of some political office seekers ahead of the 2019 elections.

Speaking to The Oracle Today in Owerri, Monday, Chimezie who is the Chief Executive Officer of Casa Mimosa Hotel and Suites, President and Founder of Faith of Darlington Foundation, an NGO catering for the welfare of the less privileged in the society and helping in community development, women and youth empowerment, noted that the problem with the country lies with the kind of leaders she had

had.

He said a situation where political office seekers, especially for the state assembly would go to the bank to obtain bank loan for the purpose of buying cars and other expensive gifts for political leaders amounts to desperation.

He warned the electorate to be wary of such state assembly aspirants as they are political merchants who would only use their position not to serve the people but to pay back the bank loan.

“The problem in Nigeria today is from our leaders. Most of those seeking elective positions are corrupt politicians who spend a lot of money during electioneering campaign, to the point of taking loans from the banks to execute election, buy exotic cars and gifts for political leaders even before the primary elections.

“Conducts like these inadvert-

ently have negative effects on the electorate if the particular politician wins election, because he will only serve his interests and will not be accessible once he gains political power.

“He will use the money meant for the people to pay back the bank loans he had taken. We should not trust such politician”.

He also noted that “a good politician is one who knows he is a statesman seeking elective position for the purpose of rendering service of his people. He should go to his people and seek their mandate, so as to represent and serve them”.

He added: “Our people should stop selling their mandate to political merchants, because after taking money or cars from a man seeking elective position, how do you go to such a politician tomorrow to ask for good governance and dividend of democracy?

comfortable because more of our eligible voters are yet to be captured.

“Many that turned out to register on daily basis most often go back disappointed, because they were not able to get registered

due to large number of prospective voters turning out to register.

“I appeal to INEC to make more registration machines available to boost registration as well as make the process more accessible to the people,’’ Okoro said.

By THEO RAYS, Onitsha

in Biafra, this scenario currently playing out with Jubril must have been what he had in mind.

“We patiently waited for the cabal to announce that Jubril will run again in order to trap them in their own web of deceit and now we have done that, we are now going to bring an end to Nigeria by revealing the grand conspiracy and deception that created this Buhari alter ego.

“IPOB will prove to the world that Jubril is not the Buhari that died in early 2017 and buried in Saudi Arabia. The heat is on to obtain Jubril’s DNA during this US trip. Technology exists that can extract DNA from the most unlikely of sources. So, no matter what his handlers does in the US, Jubril must leave his DNA which will be matched with the DNA of one of Buhari’s children and his sister which is in IPOB possession.

“The worst mistake Fulani cabal made was not to allow Yemi Osinbajo to take over when Buhari died. Fulani cabal disdain for written laws, rules and procedures is their undoing. Our leader knew this Jubril presented a golden opportunity for the spectacular collapse of Nigeria that was why he publicly announced it to a stunned global audience that Jubril is not Buhari. Our leader knew that proving that Jubril is not Buhari will be one of the quickest ways to bring an end to Nigeria and the emergence of Biafra,” read the statement.

Washington visit: IPOB plans DNA test for Buhari

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eadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has vowed to intensify efforts at unmasking ‘the real man, Jubril, behind the Buhari mask.’

The group said this followed the successful completion of its ‘Operation Cow Dance’ in the United Kingdom which, it said, led to the ‘unscheduled exit of the person referred to as Muhammadu Buhari from his Abuja House London residence on Friday 20 April 2018 back to Nigeria.’

IPOB in a statement issued by Emma Powerful stated that the group has, therefore, decided to launch the follow-up Operation Cow Dance 2 to coincide with the planned arrival of ‘Muhammadu Buhari’ in Washington on April, 30.

“The aim of this Operation Cow Dance 2 to be undertaken by the great IPOB family in the United States is to apprehend and submit the man who has been doing the job of impersonating Buhari and deceiving millions of people all over the world to a DNA test.

“It will be in the best interest of the Fulani cabal to suspend the planned trip to the U.S and take further steps to prevail upon Jubril not to contest as Buhari in 2019 because he will be unmasked. When our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the prophet of our time said that Buhari will usher

The Oracle Today

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Wednesday May 2, 2018

NEWS

JOHESU strike: UCTH can’t implement ‘no work, no pay’ policy – CMD

By ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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HIEF Medical Director of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Professor Thomas Agan, has said that the management of the hospital cannot implement government’s “no-work, no pay” policy because the striking workers are employed by the government itself and their salaries are paid by the Federal Ministry of Finance.

Professor Agan made this known in Calabar while speaking on the impact the strike has had on patients in the hospital as well as the issues that conduced to the strike.

“The employer of labour is the government itself and I agree that the ministry wrote a letter where they said we should apply the no work no pay rule and we should make an alternative arrangement.

“All those things boil down to

money and I don’t know where we will get the money to employ. The government is a major employer of labour so like I tell people, no work no pay should actually be applied by the government itself because salaries are paid from the ministry of finance and not the hospital so government has the right to suspend payment of all salaries until people return to work”, the CMD said.

He decried the industrial unrest that has bedevilled the health sector in recent time stressing that the health sector has been virtually paralyzed because of intermittent strike actions.

Professor Agan who is also the Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors in the Country said the committee is distressed by the frequent strike actions and called on all to have respect for human lives.

“At my own level which is the

A’Ibom Govt. demands refund of N140bn spent on FG roads Akwa Ibom Government has urged the Federal Government to refund the state money it spent on the reconstruction of federal roads in the state. e state Commissioner for Works, Mr Ephraim Inyangeyen, made the appeal in an interaction with newsmen in Uyo on Monday.

Inyageyen said that of the N140 billion owed the state, the Federal Government had approved the refund N70 billion after the certification of the roads.

He said that payment of the entire sum would have facilitated the completion of the ongoing 25-km Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Road also being undertaken by the state government.

“For several of the Federal Government roads constructed by the Akwa Ibom Government, the Federal government is owing us N140 billion.

“They have assessed and certified the federal roads constructed by the state and made approval for an initial refund of N70 billion; not even a kobo has been refunded till date.”

He also said that the state government would not allow any company lay pipes or cables along the ongoing Uyo-Ikot Ekpene-Aba Road without payment of revenue to the state government.

He assured Akwa Ibom people

that the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Road recently rumoured to have been abandoned would soon be completed.

“Any moment from now, UyoIkot Ekpene Road once considered abandoned, will be completed to at least kilometer 23, which is the last roundabout before the Sheraton by 4-points Hotel.”

He said that the remaining two kilometres would be completed

by September 23.

He used the occasion to affirm an earlier pledge that the state government would inaugurate 34 new roads by May 29, as part of activities to mark the third anniversary of the administration.

committee of CMD’S, we feel pained that this matter is still lingering because, at the end of it, we are the ones who are sitting at the border. At the end of the day, the government will ask us what did you do, how did you manage the situation and what

happened.

“We will continue to work with the government to ensure that all lingering issues in the health sector are handled. All we need to do is to trust one another, have respect for one another

• National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, Senate Minority Leader, David Mark and Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose at a meeting convened to assure the party’s aggrieved aspirants ahead of the May 8 primary.

FG unveils 7yr road map to end open defecation F

By ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

EDERAL Government has unveiled a roadmap aimed at ending the unhealthy practice of open defecation in the country even as it decried the large number of people who defecate openly which is put at 47 million.

The roadmap which is subsisting will run till 2025 and is aimed at reversing the practice of open defecation which according to it has enormous adverse effects

on the people as well as the nation’s economy.

Speaking in Calabar during the formal declaration of Bekwarra local government area in Cross River State as an open defecation area, the permanent Secretary Ministry of Water Resources Musa Ibrahim lamented the practice emphasizing that the nation’s access to improved sanitation is reported as 33% with over 47 million people practicing open defecation.

“The nation’s access to im-

son.

“When you ask young men to go into farming, where are they going to get the resources?”

Ayade asked rhetorically, intimating that although Central Bank of Nigeria provides a facility with a minimal repay period, he has set aside the sum of N500million which will be available to the microfinance bank on the commissioning date when it will opened for operations.

He remarked that “the money is set aside for civil servants who want to go into farming, be it must be one, two or three hectares,” pointing out that as part of his administration’s efforts to boost farming which is the right road map for Africa and indeed Nigeria, “the state also has an agricultural development company whose business is to provide agricultural services with an extension service arm.”

Other ventures the governor disclosed would support the agricultural value chain include, the white collar farming which allows one the luxury of being a farmer, yet preserves his or her dignity as an educated person, as most people think that the university certificate can no longer put their houses on the ground, includ-

ing the introduction of what he termed, food on the table, hands on the plough.

Continuing, Ayade said: “In Nigeria we have land, we are looking for farmers. We have farmers they are looking for money, we have money we are looking for interest. Why would a developing economy that understands that they want to move people away from oil to agriculture still want to put a single digit interest rate in a very short gestation period in an agricultural facility? Again, that makes it difficult, so it is the Microfinance Bank that will underpin it with the support from Central Bank of Nigeria.”

For Sampson Suwanee, CBN branch Controller: “The Prof Ben Ayade-led administration has demonstrated its resolve to create employment for the teeming unemployed youths in the state,” adding that, “CBN is running after Ayade because of the agricultural program as we want all to bank and access credit facilities.

“The only way to achieve this is to ensure that we open microfinance bank branches as there are many places across the state that don’t have banks. This will help them access credit and pay back. “

Micro-finance bank soon to become operational – Ayade

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ross River Government has announced that its microfinance bank will soon become operational.

The State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade stated this, Tuesday, during the inspection of the office complex along with the Branch Controller, Central Bank of Nigeria, Calabar, Sampson Isuwa and the CBN Head, Development Finance office, Dr. Aniefiok Akpan Umoren.

The bank is being established to boost agriculture in the state.

“The only way agriculture can be exciting for young people is to go digital and professional, that is why in Cross River, we are taking our time to be the largest rice producers in Africa. We have set up the first rice and seedling plant in Africa, we are going into massive and expansive cultivation of rice but to do all of that, we also need a backbone,” said Ayade.

The Governor also explained that “Cross River is now supporting CBN and federal government with a state microfinance bank and we are hoping that our date of April 27 as the commissioning date has to be sacrosanct,” adding that “we have invited the CBN governor who will be here in per-

and also for the human life. The life we are protecting may be our own lives and like I always tell people, the death of one person may mean zero percent to the nation but it can mean 100 percent to the family directly involved”.

proved sanitation is reported as 33 per cent with over 47 million people practicing open defecation.

“The government through the Ministry of Water Resources is committed to pursuing collaborative efforts in addressing this.

Government has developed a strategy document - Making Nigeria Open Defecation Free by 2025 to help bridge this gap”, he noted.

He disclosed that the government is undertaking a Rural Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion in Nigeria (RUSHPIN) programme which is focused on sanitation and hygiene across 6 local government areas in Benue and Cross River State. He added that the federal government as secured a $5 million grant secured by the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS) from the Global Sanitation Fund.

To help make the project a fruition and make communities key into it, he stated that the two state governments of Benue and Cross River are committed to providing counterpart funding for its implementation.

In his remarks, the director General of the Cross River State Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Ita Ikpeme thanked the federal ministry of water resources alongside its partners – the Rural Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion in Nigeria (RUSHPIN) and the Global Sanitation Fund for helping end the practice of open defecation in Bekwarra.

He emphasized that with the declaration, 315, 000 people living in the open defecation free communities now enjoy the benefits of improved sanitation noting that Bekwarra is now the third in the series of communities to be free from open defecation a feat unequalled by any state in the federation.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2018

POLITICS

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here is commotion in Imo State following the directive to the traditional rulers by the Owelle Rochas Okorocha Administration to collect N3,000 monthly levy from at least 2,000 taxable adults in each autonomous community, which amounts to N6M. The state government had last year announced the payment of N2,000 as community levy and mandated that those seeking admission into the Imo State University (IMSU) must present evidence that their parents or guardians had paid the levy.

But in a letter to the traditional rulers last week, the state government increased the levy by 50%, making it N3,000. Imo people had since kicked against the levy, especially in the face of on-going market demolition and business dislocations.

But in a press release by the Commissioner for Information, Prof Nnamdi Obiareri, the government said the levy was backed by relevant and extant C.G.C and Autonomous Communities Laws in the State.

He called on the people to understand that the “creation and recognition of Autonomous Communities in Imo State beginning from the 1978 Imo State Traditional Rulers and Autonomous Communities (TRAC) Law as variously amended has always been predicated on a number of stringent conditions some of which include contiguous land mass, large population and viability measured through abundance of taxable adults.”

“All the relevant amendments to Imo State Traditional Rulers and Autonomous Communities (TRAC) Law through the civilian regimes of HE Mbakwe, HE Udenwa, HE Ohakim and till date have always retained these conditions without exception,” he stressed.

“In other words, no autonomous community can be created without population made up of taxable adults.”

According to him, “it follows without argument that without a viable autonomous community created by government, there can be no traditional ruler. No traditional ruler exists in vacuum.”

“The government’s decision to impose Adult Community Development Levy of N3,000 on all taxable adults in our respective autonomous communities is not a recent decision and has no political underunder tone as it is for overriding public interest,” emphasized.

“The letter of the Honourable Commissioner for Community Government, Culture and Traditional Affairs dated 3rd April 2018 under reference is only reiterative and demanding compliance”.

The Commissioner added that the “Levy of N3,000 was a product of reasoned, long standing, mutual and beneficial decision between Government and the Community Government Councils (C.G.C) led by Ndi Eze to fastrack rural development”, stressing that “Implementation of this autochthonous decision contained in this recent reminder letter under reference has been ongoing since 2017 with varying degrees of compliance by different autonomous communities.”

Prof Obiareri further explained that “the principle behind this Autonomous Community Adult Develpment levy is for every Autonomous Community to raise at least N6m from at least 2,000 taxable adults paying N3,000 each into their community coffers.

“When evidence of payment is presented to government, government will in turn subvent each complying community with the sum of N4m totalling N10m to be administered by the respective CGC for its rural development purposes.

“Collection, warehousing and disbursement of this Adult Community Development levy is solely by the C.G.C of the autonomous communities and never by Imo State Government or its officials,” he added.

He also revealed that

Indiscriminate burning of ‘illegal’ refineries causes Rivers’ soot, by Wike, others Pg 10

Why we endorsed Ugwuanyi’s 2nd term bid – Enugu TUC Chair

Pg 12

Rumpus in Imo over N3,000 monthly levy There is a cacophonous din in Imo, the nation’s most literate State, whose indigenes believe their government has taken them for a ride for too long. The noise follows a directive by the State government that all taxable adults in each autonomous community pay N3000 monthly levy. From Owerri, COLLINS UGHALAA reports.

“many Autonomous Communities have started complying by opening their own bank accounts in their chosen banks and in the names of their authorised signatories.

“Many Autonomous Communities have also been collecting this development levy without qualms,” even as he recalled that “during the certification exercise of thousands of beneficiaries of Rescue Mission Free Education in Tertiary Institutions in 2017, many communities used that window to raise this levy from taxable adult parents and guardians and are keeping them.

“This Autonomous Community Adult Development Levy is neither tax nor double taxation.

“The concept of development levy is not new and unknown to development conscious Imo people.

“It is ‘Utu imepe Obodo’ and government is merely giving it added impetus via the attractive matching grant of N4m.

“Taxable adult members of our Autonomous Communities are strongly advised to comply in terms materially and fully disclosed in the said letter by the HonourHonour able Commissioner For Community Government, Culture and Traditional Affairs as it is in the overall best interinter est of us all,” he said.

But, the government’s explanation notwithstanding, many an Imolite seems not to have bought it. It doesn’t appear to have sunk down with many Imo people.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Bernard Udemba, a prominent Imo politician, said the creation of the autonomous communities in the first place was idiotic and uncalled for.

“The first thing to note is that the creation of all these autonomous communities by governments of eastern states is idiotic, irresponsible and uncalled for. It has only succeeded in balkanizing these illustrious communities and creating identity problems for them. Today these communities have become pawns in the hands of politicians. So, what can you do when a governor threatens to abolish the community that is not supposed to be created in the first place?

Plenty nonsense indeed,” he said.

Also speaking on the develop-

ment, Gozie Nwachukwu, another notable Imo politician wondered why a state government would impose a levy on communities without the input of members of those communities.

“This kind of ‘utu mmpe obodo’, which was not done with the input and consent of the people, are we no longer from Igbo land? Even the Imo Airport building levy was not imposed on Imolites but was willingly accepted as a worthwhile venture.

“This government that could not develop the communities with the monies they get and taxes they collect, they can’t pay pensioners and keeps on retrenching workers, how can the people trust this government with private money when they couldn’t judiciously use government funds to better the state?

“Go to Anambara State that is not an oilproducing state, certain levies and taxes are being reduced or abolished while in our own case, a government that has less than 1 year in office is imposing obnoxobnox ious

levies on the already battered and broken Imo people.

“Who will even pay this levy? Is it the pensioners who have not been paid for months unending, the local government staff who have lost their jobs, the 10,000 jobs scheme beneficiaries who were sacked by Rochas, or the traders in the various markets that were demolished and they lost their means of livelihood? Who exactly is this levy targeted at?

“I weep for the end of this oppressive government because whatsoever a man sows he shall surely reap. But how long will the people languish under the draconian polices of Rochas and his cohorts? God, please come to our rescue for the help of man is in vain,” he lamented.

He called on the state government to account for the monies collected on behalf of the 27 local governments in the last seven years and disclose “how they were judiciously used for the good of the people before asking us to pay at the twilight of the administration.”

He added: “Whether it is a new or old policy is immaterial at this juncture. The motive is suspect. Imo people are wiser now and can no longer be led by the nose or be deceived any longer by this insincere and clannish administration.”

Also, Hon Ken Ndukwu lamented that the state government has “started again with its destructive tendencies.”

He accused the Commissioner of being ‘a sell-out’ saying: “The level of sell-out you did for Okigwe Zone is not enough for you. This time, you feel you can undo all these Autonomous Communities in a bid to satisfy your treacherous and effort-killing administration in Imo State. It is the end of the road for you and your paymaster.”

“I am really sorry the way you have been abusing your professorial attainment by making yourself a stooge before academic Lilliput all in the name of money making. Remember, at the end of this your inglorious expedition, you must come back home to render your account of stewardship to these people you are stifling out of existence,” Ndukwe, a political personality in Imo State said.

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2018

BOLD & BLUNT Hydrocarbon emission of dark clouds, raining down gritty black minuscule particles, referred to as soot, first made its noticeable incursion into the atmosphere of Rivers State in the second quarter of 2016, or thereabout. By the second quarter of 2017, about a year thereafter, the noxious soot had ferociously enveloped the environmental space of Rivers State. From Port Harcourt, NATH OMAME reports.

The dark hydrocarbon clouds begin their dingy rise into the atmosphere at about 7 in the evening. At about 5am, the dark hydrocarbon clouds cease their upward eerie sojourn from their multifarious sources.

From the break of dawn, say at about 7 when the sky becomes visible, dark hydrocarbon clouds hang menacingly underneath the sky.

The sky in the metropolitan areas of Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor gradually becomes visible at about 10am when the dark hydrocarbon cloud worms its dour, slow, mournful archway to wherever it has chosen to go, or perhaps as, inadvertently, directed by the velocity of the somewhat horrendous wind.

The soot is unabashedly audacious in its furious emission of deadly hydrocarbon smoke into the atmosphere. Outdoors, it settles on virtually anything: on animate and inanimate objects. It etches its particles on human beings, water, fruits, vegetables, garri, rice, beans, yam, plantain and other edible commodities including cars, clothes, factories, offices, shops, motor parks, and virtually any exposed object.

The soot meanders its way into homes and darkens everywhere it settles upon: carpet rugs, electronics, plates, drinking glasses, books, computers; toilet bowls, hand-washing faucets, such that health and medical experts have advised residents in Rivers State to close their windows at all times. The soon darkens everything-all household utensils and personal effects.

Medically, health facilities are now receiving more cases of respiratory problems, essentially among children.

Following an outcry from members of the public, medical and environmental experts, amplified by media focus on the debilitating effects of the soot, the Rivers State government set up a committee to look into the source of the hydrocarbon emission. At the end of a State Executive Council (SEC) meeting in February last year, the council chaired by Governor Nyesom Wike, set up a three-member committee made up of the Commissioner for Environment, Prof.

Roseline Konya; Commissioner for Special Duties, Emeka Onowu and the former Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dr. Austin Tam-George “to tackle the problem of soot that was polluting the environment.”

The then Commissioner for Information and Communication told journalists at the end of the council meeting that the committee, will be supported by “technical experts who will liaise with major stakeholders to resolve the environmental challenges posed by the soot.”

Dr. Tam-George had stated, then, that the committee was set up at the behest of the preliminary report presented to the government by a ministerial committee led by Prof. Konya.

Up to now, the report of the technical committee headed by the Commissioner for Environment has not been made public. The outcome of the meeting between the ministerial committee, environmental experts and stakeholders “to tackle the problem of soot” has also not been made public. However, perturbed by the increasing intensity of the emission of hydrocarbon smoke into the atmosphere, far more visible within the capital city, Port Harcourt and its environs, environment and health experts; residents of the state; civil society advocacy groups and the media continued to rev up their remonstrations on the seeming inability of the federal, state and local governments; stakeholders in the petroleum and gas sector to embark on any tangible moves to reduce, or to even

10

Indiscriminate burning causes Rivers’ soot, by

• Environmental activists: Join us to call attention to • UNEP/World Bank: We are determined to resolve

• Stop-the-soot-protest-walk-in-Port-Harcourt-Rivers-State eliminate, totally, the hovering menace of soot.

While no tangible effort was made by the federal, state and local governments, including stakeholders in the energy industry, to locate and combat the continued emission of poisonous hydrocarbon particles into the environment, some environmental advocacy and environmental groups made limited efforts to identify the sources of the soot. Gas flaring by the refineries, emissions of hydrocarbon by fertilizer manufacturing companies, companies engaged in the production of bitumen, indiscriminate burning of tyres by vulcanisers, roasting of animals in abattoirs and most saliently, the bludgeoning activities of oil thieves involved in the illegal refining of stolen crude oil in the creeks were identified as being cumulatively responsible for the presence of soot in the atmosphere.

On February 24, 2017, about a week after the Rivers State government set up the three-man committee to look into how the problem of soot can be tackled, Governor Wike who was returning to Port Harcourt, after attending an event at Oyigbo, in Oyigbo Local Government Area, saw a billow of thick black smoke spewing into the atmosphere and perfunctorily, asked his driver to stop. Consequently, his motorcade stopped. Upon a closer examination of the scene he discovered to his chagrin that some used tyres and condemned engine oil were being burnt by some utterly thoughtless and inconsiderate mechanics and vulcanisers in an open field.

Wike summarily ordered the arrest of 15 men that were at the site where the burning of tyres and condemned engine oil was taking place and directed personnel of the Rivers State Fire Service to put out the fire. The governor, who directed that immediate steps be taken to ensure that the fire did not spread to neighbouring houses, assured that the state government would liaise with relevant security agencies to ensure that the culprits were prosecuted. Wike, who maintained that his administration was working with relevant stakeholders to stop the soot from polluting the atmosphere, emphasised that his administration would not allow anyone to endanger the lives of those resident in the state through harmful activities. It is yet to be ascertained whether the 15 environmental rebels were prosecuted or pardoned through an executive fiat.

As it turned out, the wanton spewing of hydrocarbon gas into the atmosphere continued and rammed up even more menacingly in the following months, and more so, in 2018.

The media continued to highlight the negative impact of the soot on the environment and the residents of the state while environmental experts and advocates continued to harp on the long-term consequences of the soot. But, whatever inaction on the part of the federal, state and local governments, including the oil and gas companies as well as manufacturing industries in addressing the health challenges posed by the soot to the environment and residents of Rivers State took on a heightened pace following the comments of Governor Wike, on Monday, April 16, when he inaugurated the governing board of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency, at Government House, Port Harcourt.

He stated that he was aware that a coalition of civil society groups were planning to stage a peaceful protest march against the continued emission of the soot in the state capital, but, however, urged them to protest against the federal government whom he blamed for turning down repeated pleas from the Rivers State government to intervene in putting an end to the emission of poisonous hydrocarbon smoke into the atmosphere.

“The Rivers State government has done all that it is supposed to do, including advocacy and enlightenment campaigns, with no action from the federal government. I hear that people want to demonstrate that there is soot in the state. Help us demonstrate against the federal government and we all will be happy. This is because we have no control over the sources of the soot. Do I go and shut down the refinery?

Will they not say that it is economic sabotage?

Do I even have the security? Do I have the Police and the army to go and stop oil production at the refinery?” Wike remonstrated The governor stressed that the state government cannot stop the Nigerian Navy from destroying illegal refineries in ways that release dangerous substances into the environment.

“All entreaties have fallen on deaf ears.

Nobody is happy about the presence of soot in the State, as its effects are non-discriminatory.

It is necessary to properly situate those with the responsibility of stopping the soot rather than protesting for the sake of creating social tension,” he lamented, assuring the people of Rivers State that his administration would continue to prevail on the security agencies and regulatory institutions to take the right step to stop the soot.

The governor reiterated his position when environmental experts from the United Nations Environmental Programme, UNEP, the World

and environmental experts from the federal ministry of environment, visited him on Tuesday, April 17, at government house, Port Harcourt, to assess the negative impact of soot to the environment and residents of Rivers State. The technical team led by the UNEP country representative, Ravij Anko had earlier visited the Commissioner for Environment, Prof. Konya, at her office, on Monday, April 15. Governor Wike had threatened that the Rivers State government may take the federal government to court over the continued emission of soot, which he attributed to gas flaring by the oil companies, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the burning of illegal refineries ceased by the security agencies.

Governor Wike further lamented: “The truth is that the federal government has decided to make sure that a greater percentage of the population of the state is eliminated. It is obvious. The problem is not caused by the state.

The problem is caused by federal government agencies. Rivers State does not refine crude oil.

We don’t own any company that refines oil. The federal government controls the military that destroys illegal refineries in a crude way. We may have to take the federal government to court over the problem of soot in the state.

“The federal government is using the soot as a political strategy not knowing that it will fail woefully. We have made representations to the federal government and her agencies on the issue of soot to no avail. We have called on the security agencies to find a more refined way of destroying the illegal refineries. We have informed the National Council of Environment, the military and all federal government regulatory agencies, but they are not interested in intervening.”

Leader of the environmental experts from the UNEP, Rajiv Anko, assured: “We are here to look into the soot problem in Port Harcourt and other parts of the state that has been reoccurring for some years now. It is a very serious issue that has been bothering residents for a couple of years now and they want this problem resolved as quickly as possible. We hope to find a final solution to the problem of soot in Rivers State. I can assure you that we are concerned with the problem of soot in the state. Our report will state our findings.”

The team is expected to prepare a report on what they have seen and proffer immediate and long-term solutions to the soot that has enveloped the state for upwards of two years.

Governor Wike’s position that the agencies

11

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2018

BOLD & BLUNT

of ‘illegal’ refineries Wike, others

the poisoning of millions of Port Harcourt residents the problem of soot as quickly as possible

of the federal government are responsible for the frightening spiral in the emission of hydrocarbon fumes into the atmosphere is not new, though. On Friday, March 9, the governor declared when he appeared on the Sunrise Daily programme on Channels Television that soot “is mainly caused by the activities of federal government security agencies destroying illegal refineries across the state.” He maintained that the Rivers State government has formally approached the federal government to help in resolving the challenge posed by the soot but has received no assistance.

“We set up a technical committee to investigate the soot problem. The committee’s report indicated that the soot was largely a product of the destruction of illegal refineries by the security agencies. It is not within the purview of the state government to tackle (or) control the security agencies. Therefore, we met with them and appealed that they find alternative ways to destroy the illegal refineries. We also appealed to the federal government to intervene, but so far they are yet to do anything.”

Governor Wike has also garnered support for his position that the method being employed by security agencies in destroying illegal refineries by the security agencies has further worsened the emission of hydrocarbon into the atmosphere. A coalition of some 27 civil society advocacy groups under the aegis of the Civil Liberty Organisation (CLO), aligned with the position of the state government when they attributed the surge in the soot to the burning of seized illegal refineries by security agents. Rivers State Chairman of the CLO, Sontoye George took a swipe at the oil multinationals and security agencies. He claimed that security agencies were worsening the situation by burning ceased illegal refineries.

The position of the Rivers State government has also been supported by the federal government. The Managing Director of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Peter Idabor, stated at a Joint Activation and Drill Exercise, on Tuesday, April 17, in Port Harcourt, that the soot was preponderantly “caused by the activities of illegal oil refineries, (kpo fire) a slang used for illegal refining of crude oil, bunkers and burning of tyres, including abattoirs.”

He stated: “In Port Harcourt, there are over 1, 000 abattoirs and many of these abattoirs use rubber tyres to roast animals while others burn them to extract copper wires. Another source of the soot is the heating of asphalt (used for

roads) and burning of stolen petroleum products by security agencies.”

The environmental expert assured that the federal ministry of environment and its affiliate bodies have held several meetings with law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to end the soot. We have agreed that instead of setting ablaze tankers caught with stolen petroleum products, the crude oil should be retired back to the refineries and oil companies.

We felt that rather than dispose the petroleum products into the environment that is best to store them in the refineries.”

“A committee set up Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has adopted the Hamonised Standard Operating Procedure to deal with recovered stolen petroleum products. A particle of soot is 2.5 micron in size can be seen through high-powered microscopic lens. The particle cannot be prevented from entering homes and offices. The soot particle is often inhaled and after sometimes becomes an irritant and the individual starts coughing. After persistent cough, a wound is created inside the lungs.” To underscore how dangerous the soot is to human health, Idabor counseled residents to use nose mask to reduce its negative impact.

Could it have been a coincidence that the environmental experts from the UNEP, World Bank, and officials of the federal ministry of environment were in Rivers State when a group of civil society organisations in Rivers State resolved to stage a peaceful protest match to draw the attention of all stakeholders to the dangers posed by soot in the state? On Monday, April 16, a day before the environmental experts from UNEP, World Bank and the federal ministry of environment visited Governor Wike at Government House, Port Harcourt. The team met with the Commissioner for Environment, Prof. Konya and intimated her of their mission to the state.

“We are here to look into the soot problem in Port Harcourt and other parts of the state that has been re-occurring for some years now. It is a very serious issue that has been bothering residents for a couple of years now and they want this problem to be resolved as quickly as possible. We hope to find a solution to the problem of soot in Rivers State. I can assure you that we are concerned with the problem of soot in the state. Our report will state our findings,” the team said.

On Wednesday, April 18, a coalition of civil society groups, including the Civil Liberties Organisation, CLO, The Peoples’ Network, We The People, amongst others, staged a peaceful

protest match aimed at drawing the attention of governments, oil and gas companies, stakeholders, and importantly, those who know that they are directly or vicariously connected to the asphyxiating emission of deadly hydrocarbon fumes that mingle into a mournful dark cloud of soot, threatening lives and the environment, and in fact, everything that dwells within, to pause and reconsider the fallout of their activities.

The pro-environment activists, including kids as young as five, seven, and 10, congregated at the Isaac Boro Park, beside the Mile 1 Flyover, in the Diobu area of Port Harcourt; marched to Government House maingate where they were addressed by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry who re-echoed the stance of the state government censuring the method being deployed by the security agencies in destroying ceased illegal refineries. They walked from Government House to the Rivers State House of Assembly and then to the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), the inspectorate, regulatory and enforcement arm of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The protest march under the aegis of Rivers Civil Society Organisations (RIVCSO), anchored its protest on the theme: “Rivers People Deserve The Right To A Clean, Healthy Environment”. Some of the placards displayed by the activists read: “Stop The Soot Now”. “Soot is not Suitable”. “One Earth, One Environment, We Must Rise To Protect It.” Now”; “We Want Clean Air, Not Polluted Air.” Some of the protesters wore nose masks to typify the morbid environment in Rivers State provoked by the mindless emission of poisonous hydrocarbon fume into a harmless and hapless atmosphere.

One of the coordinators of the protest march, Programme Officer of Stakeholders Democracy Network, Sami Abel, stated: “We know that artisanal refining is a problem, but the bigger problem is how the security agencies dispose the seized products. Instead of them to look for better ways of disposing them, they just set them ablaze and the whole place goes up in smoke. We are appealing to the federal and Rivers State government to rise up to the challenge of finding a solution to the problem.”

Another civil society group, “We The People” that also participated in the protest march posted on its twitter handle: “Join us to call global attention to the poisoning of millions of Port Harcourt residents. We are taking the pro-

tection of our health and environment into our own hands. It is time to take action against the soot. No human being should live with this level of pollution. Nobody should breathe this soot.

But people of Port Harcourt have no choice. Day in, day out, they live in, breathe, drink and get poisoned by the soot. It is unjust, it is a death sentence.”

Clearly, the sequence of events indicates that there is palpable disconnect among the stakeholders whose duty and responsibility it is to protect the environment; the human beings, animals and property therein. Even before Friday, March 9, when Governor Wike appeared on the Sunrise Daily programme in Channels Television to lament that the soot “is mainly caused by the activities of federal government security agencies destroying illegal refineries across the state”, an arm of the Nigerian security apparatchik had harped on what appeared as a new policy adopted by the security agencies for subsequent destruction of illegal refineries, including the products and improvised pipelines.

The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State, Lawal Haruna told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt, that “the NSCDC has stopped destroying illegal refineries and petroleum products storage tanks with fire.” The command, he explained, “took the decision because of the environmental implications of burning refineries and storage tanks.” According to Haruna, “even though illegal refineries and storage tanks were usually destroyed in the process, their contents were allowed to leak out of the tanks.”

The question that crops up is this: if the security agencies allow the contents of the illegal refineries to leak out of the tanks before destroying them, where, then, does the content leak to? Is it not within the same environment?

Thoughtfully, Haruna reasoned that such method of allowing the contents to leak out before destroying the illegal refineries and storage tanks also affects the environment negatively because it is “capable of destroying aquatic life in the affected areas.”

To support the position of the Rivers State Commandant of the NSCDC, Haruna, that illegal refineries and their contents are no longer destroyed by burning them, Executive Officer of the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Pathfinder, in Rivers State, Capt. Victor Choji, told journalists, on Thursday, March 29, at Alakiri, Asari-Toru Local Government Area of the State, that the Navy now destroys illegal refineries with Swamp Buggy machines.

To make assurance double sure, the illegal refinery that was destroyed with a Swamp Buggy in the presence of journalists who were invited for the event, at Alakiri, had the capacity to produce one million litres of refined petroleum daily. The illegal refinery is among five other illegal refineries discovered by the Nigerian Navy in Asari-Toru Local Government of the State. Capt Choji disclosed that the other five illegal refineries have a production-capacity of 3m litres daily. The naval officer told journalists that “the refineries were discovered through intensive intelligence gathering and undercover operation by naval troops.”

To be entirely honest, finding solutions to the debilitating environmental problem of soot in Rivers State as stated by virtually all the stakeholders require a collective approach and a no-holds-barred willingness to do that which is just and proper, geared towards the protection of the environment, lives and property. If the NSCDC had stopped destroying illegal refineries by setting them ablaze as stated by the Rivers State Commandant, Haruna, since Thursday, May 11, 2017 and the Nigeria Navy has also stopped burning illegal refineries as stated by Capt Choji, on Thursday, March 29, why, then, is the soot still bellowing across the skyline of Port Harcourt and its environs? Why is the Port Harcourt skyline draped in dark, foreboding, and mournful cloud in the morning, say from 6am to about 10am, daily? Simple! Illegal oil refining is a lucrative, profitable and deadly business and in the absence of any other job, anything goes.

If an illegal refinery that is locally fabricated, built and located deep inside the creeks can produce one million litres of refined petroleum products daily and five illegal refineries of the same mould, etched deep inside the mangrove swamp, collectively have a production-capacity to refine three million litres of petroleum products daily, refining crude oil stolen from the pipelines and flow-stations, or tank farms of multinational oil companies, or, the NNPC, which has been going on for decades, known to the government, its regulatory agencies, and the security agencies, why is it so difficult for the federal government to evolve a policy that will accommodate these profoundly ingenious and daring youths into the wobbling, viciously corrupt, and poorly managed oil sector to open it up; accommodate these audacious restless segment of the population to strengthen the sector and put an end to crude oil theft, illegal refining and its concomitant environmental devastation?

12

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2018

POLITICS

Why we endorsed Ugwuanyi’s 2nd term bid – Enugu TUC Chair Why did Organised Labour, in Enugu, openly endorse Governor Ugwuanyi’s re-election bid? This has never happened in the history of the State, right?

Yes, it has never happened in this State, as you pointed out. But in the history of the state as well, workers have also never enjoyed the sort of closeness that we have enjoyed under Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, with any sitting governor in Enugu State. As I pointed out, during my speech at the rally, it is not just about paying salaries of workers, it is also about recognising them and showing that you value them. Workers are one of the major stakeholders in the governance of Enugu State and governance of Nigeria, as well. But unfortunately, some governors do not see workers as stakeholders. Rather, they see labour unions as trouble-shooters and troublemakers and because of such notion, we are usually not carried along. However, we are pleased that the present administration in Enugu State always involves workers in decision-making. Since he came on board, Governor Ugwuanyi has always made out time, from his very busy schedules, to meet with Enugu State workers, to look into our affairs. He would tell us: Let us look at this issue and that issue. This is how it is, we can do this and that but we would not be able to meet up with the other one. This is where we are and that is where we are going. Which worker would not be happy with a governor that carries him along in that manner? Workers are partners with the state government, whether anybody likes it or not, and the greatest aspect of partnership is openness, trustworthiness, true friendship.

No partnership can work without openness.

So, in reciprocation of his open-door policy and kind heartedness, not only to workers of the state but to the entire populace of the state, and the way that he has been religiously taking responsibility of things that affect workers, we chose to come out and profess our appreciation and solidarity to his government and his re-election bid, as well. To us, the governor has done well. But more importantly, we are convinced that if he did well in times of economic hardship, the implication is in times of boom, he would do more marvels. We are all aware of how some governors in this country have been hiding under the prevailing economic recession to owe their workers up to 16 months in salary arrears. That is wickedness. But for us, Enugu State workers, we do not experience such wickedness here. We receive our salaries on or before 23rd of every month, even before the state receives her federal allocation. Is that not amazing?

It is cheering that the governor is up to date in payment of workers’ salary, according to you. What about pension and gratuities; is he up to date in that area too?

You would notice that we presented some requests during our speeches and pleaded with the governor to look into one or two outstanding cases. The normal thing in Igboland and everywhere in all climes is to thank somebody for his good deeds before bombarding him with further requests. Even as Christians, we are taught that we should always thank God for his blessings first before presenting our requests to Him. That should also be the case in our dealings with fellow men because, according to the scriptures, we are created in God’s image and likeness.

The first thing we did at the rally, as you may have noticed, was to thank the governor for being sincerely worker-friendly and for always caring about our affairs. You were there and you saw that we got almost everything that we requested for, at the rally. Our request about the pension and gratuity that you noted, has been granted. The governor has directed that a memo should be raised

Workers and organised labour in Enugu State recently carried out a mega solidarity rally in support of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwyanyi’s re-election bid. They marched from the State Secretariat, through major streets in the city centre, to the Michael Okpara Square, where the workers openly pronounced their support for the governor, thanked him for always being there for them and made a couple of requests to government. In this interview with CHUKS EZE, the State Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Comrade Igbokwe Chukwuma Igbokwe, explains why labour endorsed the Enugu State government.

• Gov Ugwuanyi (Left) and Comr Igbokwe C. Igbokwe. on that to enable government determine the total value of the outstanding entitlements. He also approved the refund of national housing fund, outstanding salaries and pensions of some Parastatals, among other requests. We take issues step-by-step. We would continue to push for more as we progress. It is true that human wants are insatiable, but we would not behave like ingrates and start being confrontational or pushing in a manner that could stretch the government. The thing is that we are partners in progress, and we know that it is a great honour to have a listening governor.

Some people viewed your open endorsement of Ugwuanyi’s re-election bid as act of partisanship, isn’t that the case?

I am telling you that the governor has set a standard that had been absent in Enugu State and all other states across the country; I am telling you that we consistently receive salaries latest 23rd of every month, even before the monthly federal allocation comes.

Is that not amazing? I am telling you that we have been enjoying peace in Enugu, devoid of any political upheaval, since the advent of this administration. You know that when there is political tension in the state, monies that are meant for payment of workers’ salaries would be used to bribe parties and fund court cases; to hire thugs to go and clear ways somewhere or even to hire spiritualists to solve political problems. But to the glory of God, there is adequate peace in Enugu State because we have a governor that is prudent, open and fair. Am sure you

are aware that the slogan of the Governor Ugwuanyi-led administration is, ‘Enugu is in the hand of God’. To workers of the state, the situation on ground portrays the meaning of the slogan. There is good governance in place. When you talk about good governance, it is all-encompassing – peace, transparency and mutual respect. There is harmonious relationship between the executive and legislature in the state because of good governance; there was peaceful and transparent conduct of local government election in the state last year due to good governance, the existing peace and security in the state under the Ugwuanyi administration was occasioned by good governance, and the prompt payment of workers’ salaries, including the 13th month salary enjoyed by state and local government workers, as well as massive infrastructural development that is evenly spread across the state; they are all products of good governance. I can go on and on. Why would anyone brand us partisan for appreciating good governance?

Having endorsed the governor’s re-election bid, what then becomes of other candidates that would emerge from APC and other opposition parties?

The race is open to all qualified individuals.

But, I cannot start talking about somebody that I have neither seen nor seen his works, or even heard about. I am talking about somebody that we have seen and related with. We are saying he has done well, that he should do more. If the governor were not doing well, if workers were not pleased with

him, there would not have been any basis for the rally. Do you know the distance that workers trekked – from the State Secretariat to this place (Michael Okpara Square)? You know the distance. All of us – young and old – walked that long distance, with joy, devoid of any grumbling, to thank God and appreciate our governor. That is because we are happy with what is happening in our state under the Ugwuanyi-led leadership. What we are saying is that we like what we are seeing and we would like the development to continue. If you are privileged to have a good meal and other individuals around you are having soured or tasteless meals and they are even envious of you, would you want to let go of that your sumptuous meal?

I can tell you that we always interact with workers of other states, and their popular wish is to have a governor like Ugwuanyi.

President Buhari recently declared his intention to run for re-election in 2019; what is your take on that?

Mr President has the constitutional right to run for re-election. He is a full citizen of this country and this is Nigeria where everyone always desires to go for re-election after the initial shot at any elective public office. There is nothing wrong about the President’s ambition. But we are concerned about what is happening in Enugu State – that our governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, is interested in 2019. So, I would say that it is not enough to declare interest; there are still other hurdles

Cont’d on page 15

13

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2018

INTERVIEW

How ICAN Resource Centre will help accounting profession in South East Chief Kevin Obieri, a chartered accountant and managing partner, ICH-DIEN Audit (Accountants), is the 2nd Deputy President, Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA). Chairman Emeritus and Patron, Onitsha District and Society of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Chief Obieri, who holds many traditional titles is the Onowu of Akokwa in Ideato Local Government Area of Imo State. In this interview with Correspondent, GABRIEL EJIOFOR, Obieri spoke on Ndigbo and the quest for wealth, depreciating values in the society, epileptic Nigerian economy, poor budgeting process in Nigeria among, other issues. hard to improve our net-worth without improving our self-worth. As it is now, we are starting the construction of the centre immediately.

• Chief Kevin Obieri Recently, the Onitsha District and Society of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) launched a N100m Resource Centre. As the Chairman of the fund-raising committee, could you throw more light on the centre?

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Resource Centre covers all benefits in the accountancy profession, from materials, professional to academic. We have serious needs for the resource centre here. The resource centre will cover everything you need as an accountant to practise your profession as expected. We want to have it here because of the distance of going to Lagos. We in the South East have suffered because of distance from the sea. We are not envying them but we want to reduce the suffering of our people. The Igbo man has been denied a lot in Nigeria. Things have got to change. And that is why we are planning to build ICAN resource centre to make it easy for us to access ICAN resources, instead of jumping into bus to Lagos and it costs a lot of money and time for our people to go Lagos. And it is even risky. Igbo people are not alone in this; the North also is suffering it. So the present ICAN leadership advised that any branch, which can raise N50M, it will match it with another N50m grant. This has been done in Bayelsa State. It is just that our people in government are not ready to help their people.

However, by grace of God, we are making headway. With the donations we received at the launching, we have surpassed the amount. We are lucky the donations are

coming from few people. It will not be difficult for us to pursue them to redeem their pledges. The resource centre no doubt will blossom accountancy profession in Anambra State and beyond. We will be organizing lectures for people who want to join the profession. And trust Igbo man, anything we see will give us money, we will go all out for it. People will avail themselves of this rare opportunity.

With ICAN resource centre, we can change the future of our young people here. Instead of going to Lagos, those who want to take ICAN exam will walk into the centre and change their lives. I am enthusiastic because I have been a beneficiary of ICAN resources.

I studied Geography and Regional Planning at the University of Calabar. I graduated as the best student in my class but I was unemployed. A friend introduced me to KGPM and I took their exam, passed and they employed me. That is how I became a chartered accountant as I qualified in a record time.

I have been an accountant for 26 years, worked in big companies before I started my own professional accountancy and consulting practice firms. I have trained my wife. She is now a chartered accountant. And my son has joined us too. Apart from my wife, I have two other partners with me--one from Abia State and the other from Benue State who heads our Abuja office. I want young people to join the profession if the project comes on stream; it will help a lot of people, who are keen on improving themselves. Money is not the issue here but self-worth--not net-worth.

That is what Africans are lacking. We work

What advice do you give to our businessmen on how to run their businesses?

We have a serious problem in Igbo land because of our belief in the philosophy of akubueze, (wealth is king). And we work hard but do not enjoy the wealth. We have made so much money without helping people. And that is why we have social tension, armed robbery, crime, fraud, yahoo yahoo boys and so on. That is why we die early. We should use our money to touch lives including our own lives. You can’t make money and have knowledge together without involving other people in your business effort and progress. The saying that one person’s feet cannot create a visible path or road is very true.

It is wrong for Igbo man to have a company and he is everything. It weighs negatively on our entrepreneurs. Little problem, they will die and die young for that matter. Employ more hands the way white people do it. Division of labour is not a mere expression. The person who has the knowledge should help you. If you can’t plan strategically, you will lose focus. If they can do this, they will grow bigger and enjoy their money. You can’t make money and enjoy money and knowledge together without involving other people in your business effort and progress.

The saying that one person’s feet cannot create a visible path/road is very true. That is the message. If we do this, we will be better for it. Today young people challenge their parents because they failed to groom them in social and academic orientation. It takes two to tango. If we do this, we will have less tension, armed robbery, land disputes and all that. We used to have communal life but those things are dying. Youths are disconnected from their relations, and even their parents and little value is now placed on life as expected. Our youths waste lives generally at will to get money.

How would you advise Igbo businessmen to build corporate culture in their business enterprises?

Our leaders, and I mean political leaders, especially governors should find out what is good out there and bring it down here to show and empower them. The governors should provide social re-orientation to our people to know how to relate with our relations and neighbours. The Bible we read in

our churches must be practiced. Churches have become money-making organizations without affecting the lives of the members spiritually. We must learn how to re-create, relate and relax with our families and partners. People should seek knowledge, education, moderation, be humble. Experience is important in life.

This attitude of just finishing primary school and we start making money has ruined us.

Our political leaders should teach people how to respect the laws, contract, agreement, so that a lot of deals will take place, if not there will be no loan and you cannot run big business without good financial support in form of loans. We have to re-think investment in buildings. It is not all and all.

A lot of landlords cannot collect their rents.

Don’t rush to the mountain and return back so soon. If you want to run fast, run alone, but if you want to run far run together. Here we don’t form partnership; as such there is no pension, no reserve at the end of the day when your health, wisdom, energy, children, friends and age may have failed you especially if you have not prepared for peaceful succession, and trained and groomed people to take care of you and your business/practice.

You have not trained anybody. These are our problems, which we must stop if we must progress and live peacefully.

There has been hue and cry about multiple taxes or levies as well as extortion and intimidation by hoodlums who claim they are working for the State government. As a leader of in the Organized Private Sector (OPS), what is your take on these issues?

If the State government has done all these I have mentioned, these social tensions, all these problems of multiple taxes would have been solved. Massive failure on the part of government and rich people are the causes of the presence of all these hoodlums who extort people resulting in what we now call multiple taxes. And because they failed to do what is right these boys chase after people on the roads. Failure to comply with revenue obligations by the people who have such obligations breeds hoodlums who resort to extortion.

Again, the multiplicity of market groups causes multiple taxation. The government should enlighten the people on the need to honour obligations to even family members.

There is massive failure to honour each other’s obligations. People who engage serv-

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2018

Political Personality

Antonia Tabansi Okoye: Amazon in search of leadership role For a complex of reasons, renowned female lawyer and popular grassroots politician in the commercial city of Onitsha, Hon Antonia Tabansi Okoye (Ada Diogo) is well prepared for a political errand to Abuja, the Nigeria (Federal Capital Territory (FCT). She wants to represent the good people of Onitsha Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives on the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) come 2019. THEO RAYS reports.

•Antonia Tabansi Okoye in Onitsha knows her too well.

She holds the ace in the political circle in Onitsha most especially her immense contribution in the building of APGA in Onitsha using her popularity and acceptability to uplift the party.

There is no gainsaying that considering her popularity and acceptability, Ada Diogo is the ideal for APGA for the House of Representatives in 2019. With her, APGA is sure of coasting home to victory in Onitsha. She has invested a lot of energy and resources in APGA using her goodwill, experience, connection and passion for good political leadership to mobilize followers into the party.

On assessment of the political situation in Onitsha ahead of the 2019 polls, The Oracle Today gathered that the residents of the city are earnestly rooting for Antonia for the ticket of APGA as they see her as the best choice for the party for the political missionary journey to Abuja next year.

In the opinion of notable politicians in the area, APGA is sure of coasting home to victory if Antonia Tabansi Okoye is given the

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nitsha Federal Constituency, made up of two densely populated local government areas of Onitsha North and Onitsha South in Anambra State has, by the assessment and verdict of Ada Diogo, as she is popularly called, continued to lack quality representation in the National Assembly as successive representatives including the incumbent have failed to live up to the expectations of the people.

Ada Diogo who is an ex-member of Anambra State House of Assembly is of the view that Onitsha, a top ranking commercial city in Nigeria deserves a better representative at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly in so many ways and which she is capable and ready to offer According to her view, Onitsha needs a representative like her, who commands massive grassroots connection, one who is very close to people of all segments in the city, who is popular along the political line and conversant with the plight and needs of the people.

Two, Onitsha needs a selfless representative like her who has enough experience and capacity to stand the legislative test of time both on the floor of the House and other areas of duties to be able to attract dividends of democracy to the constituents.

Three, Onitsha Federal Constituency needs a bold, reputable, outspoken and honest representative like Ada Diogo whose personality and voice would not only shine along with the huge reputation of Onitsha as the home of the Zik of Africa and a leading commercial city harbouring the largest market in West Africa and many other large-sized markets in Nigeria but also enhance the dignity and pride of Onitsha as among the foremost developed and respectable federal onstituencies in the House.

Four, Onitsha needs a political leader like Ada Diogo who is Igbooriented and ready to move the political leadership of the highly reputable commercial city along with the political vision of APGA. It is not acceptable to hear or see that Onitsha Federal Constituency is under opposition party in Anambra State. Onitsha has to identify with the APGA bandwagon in Anambra State and Ada Diogo is in a better position to lead the crusade considering her support and contributions to the growth of APGA over the years.

Five and very important also is that Ada Diogo a product of University of Nigeria (Enugu Campus) has a burning desire to orchestrate and bequeath upon the people in Onitsha an all-inclusive people-oriented political leadership that carries everybody along without regard to their native backgrounds.

Ada Diogo has the capacity to serve as the bridge between indigenes and non-indigenes in Onitsha because of her popularity, familiarity and acceptability among the people.

She is a household name in Onitsha because she is well known by all and sundry in all parts of Onitsha North and South. The Church leaders know her. She is a faithful Christian Mother and always involved in the affairs of Christian mothers in particular and the Church in general. The traders in all the markets in the town know her very well. Every politician, both old, new, women and youth

Antonia is the foremost builder of APGA in Onitsha, we hope that the party will compensate her with the ticket for the House of Representatives election next year. She is a Catholic and a very popular lawyer and she holds a good record from what she did during her days at the State House of Assembly, so to me she is the best choice for APGA

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ticket to stand for the party in 2019 election.

A veteran politician in Fegge, Chief Okwudili Ogbu described Ada Diogo as the most experienced politician who has been consistent in the system, noting that she has been actively involved in the system since 2002, working as both elected and appointed government official since then.

Ogbu added that the ex-female law maker has equally served as the Special Adviser to ex-Gover-

nor Peter Obi on Public Works and as Special Adviser on Special Duties to Governor Obiano, noting that her consistency has served as a catalyst for building APGA in Onitsha.

According to the veteran politician and grassroots mobilizer, Ada Diogo is the one who the well meaning people of Onitsha want to go to Abuja to represent them in the Federal House.

Chief Ogbu said the people are after Antonia because of her good heart towards them,

which she proved beyond reasonable doubt during her days in the State House of Assembly where she served as House Committee Chairman on Youth and Sports.

He added: “Antonia is a reliable and straightforward woman who have the interest of the people at the back of her mind. More so she is accessible. At her level in politics she still relate to everybody with ease and gives listening ear to everybody that comes across her and that is the quality of a good leader and what we want for the Federal House position.”

Another resident who lives at Inland town axis of Onitsha, Mr Victor Nnameze who is very knowledgeable in the politics of the commercial city said that Antonia has what it takes to trounce the incumbent representative and candidates of other political parties because people have sympathy for her following the injustice meted out to her by former Governor Obi in 2011 “As far as I know, Antonia is the foremost builder of APGA in Onitsha but Peter Obi didn’t recognize her contributions. However, no time is late; God’s time is the best. This time, we hope that the party will compensate her with the ticket for the House of Representatives election next year.

She is a Catholic and a very popular lawyer and she holds a good record from what she did during her days at the State House of Assembly, so to me she is the best choice for APGA as far as election of Onitsha Federal House 2019 in concerned,” Nnamaeze added.

Quest For Level Playing Ada Diogo is asking the leadership of APGA not to impose anybody including herself on the party rather they should allow a level playing ground.

“Let’s have a level playing ground and allow the delegates to make their choice; that is what I want from the leadership of our great party,” she said while addressing some of her enthusiastic followers at her office in Onitsha.

As the day for the party primary election gets closer, observers say the leadership of APGA should listen to the voice crying in the wilderness from Antonia Tabansi Okoye and her supporters; that as a Catholic Christian Mother who is very popular and well accepted by the residents of Onitsha, both natives and nonnatives, she is the one in a better position to deliver APGA for the Federal House of Representatives election in 2019.

On a clean assessment, nobody is more popular and more acceptable to the people in Onitsha than Ada Diogo and that is the plain truth.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2018

INTERVIEW

Why we endorsed Ugwuanyi Cont’d from Page 12 to cross such as party primaries and that of facing the electorate and other candidates, at the polls. We are not a political party, but when various parties adopt their candidates for various positions, we would make our decisions with our PVCs. Therefore, as regards President Buhari’s declaration, lf he happens to cross his party’s primary hurdle and it comes to the general election, if the APC says that he has done well to deserve re-election, the generality of Nigerians would still have a say, as well. Nigerians would use their PVCs to say their mind. We, the workers, have said that Ugwuanyi has done very well in Enugu State. We have spoken our minds, based on our convictions. But if there are other groups or individuals that feel the governor has not done well, ahead of the general election, so be it. That applies to President Buhari, as well. It is not enough for APC to say that he deserves re-election. It is the electorate that would pass a verdict through their votes.

From your point of view, has Buhari done well?

Like I told you, I am concerned about Enugu State, where I know the governor and his team; and I can talk about them. For instance, I know the Internally Generated Revenue of Enugu State, I know the FAAC allocation, and I can dig and find out how they are spent. So, when I tell you that our governor is prudent and transparent, it is from an informed perspective. I do not know how much President Buhari generates.

• Gov Ugwuanyi (L) heartily recieves Most Labour-friendly Gov. Award, 2017, from Enugu NLC Chair, Comr Virginus Nwobo (R) and Enugu TUC Chair, Comr Igbokwe C. Igbokwe (Cntr) at Okpara Square, Enugu.

...Centre will help accounting profession in South East ants should settle them at the end of their services. Our people need moral re-orientation and education. Enlightenment will help us. People are in a hurry. People should be made to do the right thing. People are what they have been enlightened or trained to be.

If you have not enlightened or trained them, do not blame them. You cannot give what you do not have.

What is your view on the state of economy of Nigeria?

Nigerian economy is not as it is supposed to be because of mass failure by the people to channel their energy in the right direction.

People are not punished when they commit offence. When you cheat or steal in Nigeria, you will be hailed. In the olden days, thieves were not encouraged but today we encourage bad behaviour, cheats, robbers, thieves, fraudsters. These do not allow our administrations to work. We are suffering financial leakages, in fact haemorrhage, so government cannot function, principally because of massive social, economic, religious and educational corruption.

Every year, there is always controversy trailing our budget. Don’t you think that we need to improve on our budgeting process?

Budgeting process is always done by the ministries, extra-ministerial departments and others, which prepare budget estimates and send them for financial assessment. In Nigeria, members of the National Assembly add their own figures thereby burdening the amounts involved. They have constituency projects. These are part of the confusion in our budget. So, at the end of a different budget from the original one after harmonization is produced and the executive is confused on how to implement it.

The executive on their part will do budget padding. This brings a lot of a suspicion between National Assembly and the Executive.

These things delay the passage of budgets.

Nepotism, ethnicity and lack of transparency also affect our budgeting process. In

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It is wrong for Igbo man to have a company and he is everything. It weighs negatively on our entrepreneurs. Little problem, they will die and die young for that matter. Employ more hands the way white people do it. Division of labour is not a mere expression. The person who has the knowledge should help you. If you can’t plan strategically, you will lose focus

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Cont’d from Page 13

all these, people are suffering. The budget gets muddled up because of conflict of interests. At the end, what we have is panel-beat, butchered budget, which makes implementation and monitoring difficult. The problem is that transparency and truth are lacking in all these. When there is lack of truth and transparency, coupled with nepotism and padding, you cannot have a good budget because everybody is after his or her own personal interest and the interest of his/her ethnic and religious groups as well as states/ regions and these create a dysfunctional and confusing budgeting and budget implementation process and procedure.

How do you see the exclusion of South East from the railway network and the national gas pipeline Master Plans?

That is why I spoke about transparency, which white people use as a standard for good development. But our leaders are not transparent. You build airports in cities where they they are not viable. Until we do the right things, we cannot develop. Why take railways to those who don’t need it.

This is part of wrong budgeting. They are still looking for money they will loot. Until they

do the right things, we will continue to have problems in this country and that is why the economy is not doing well.

We have abundant natural resources, which have not been judiciously harnessed.

Anambra and Enugu States share boundaries but we left the potentials of the two neighbouring states untapped. We have expressways that have remained death traps, such as Onitsha-Enugu, Enugu-Port Harcourt Road, 9th mile Corner-Makurdi Expressways while they have practically abandoned the 2nd Niger Bridge. The Igbo man has learnt how to survive in Nigeria. We should learn to do the right things, to get things right. The Southeast as a right should be included in the National Gas Pipeline Master-plan and rail tracks because their patronage will make these investments very viable.

The 2019 election is fast approaching. What is your assessment of those coming out to contest for the president?

We have a way of recycling old hands in this country. Can’t we bring young people?

We have plenty of young people who can checkmate these old people. The old people, these old politicians should retire and

become watchdogs of the country. That is the only way we can move forward. When you are above 60 years, there is no need for you to come out again. All these Buhari, Atiku, Lamido should retire. They have made so much money. PDP was formed by people who used it to checkmate Abacha. If the old people were there, who would checkmate them now? We do not yet have a critical mass of elder statesmen who can talk truthfully to those in power without fear. It is very bad for this country.

What is your assessment of the performance of South East governors?

They should consider what is happening in Anambra State. Look at what is happening in Anambra State. If you want a change, change your style; it will affect everything we do in Nigeria. If you don’t do it well, investors will withhold their money. What does it take to construct a road from Omambala part of Anambra State to Kogi through which we can reach Abuja quickly, instead of wasting time and resources going round through Delta, Edo and Enugu, Benue? This is disgusting and shameful. This will reduce trip to Abuja by two hours, within four hours you are in Abuja. From Atani Road in Ogbaru you can access Ndoni in Rivers state, Oguta in Imo state. From Aba to Ikot Ekpene has been bad for more than 20 years now. Akpabio did the road to Ikot Ekpene, the Abia State portion has remained impassable. Why must we always go to Lagos to bring our container?

That should be the vision South East governors should have. The governors should go beyond immediate consideration. You witness what Enugu airport is becoming? When they go to South East conference, what do they talk about? Do they discuss their immediate needs or the needs of our people? We need South East Economic Commission. Every regime should be advised properly to do one major road every four years to connect us since we mingle together always. Due to our aggressive migration, business, knowledge pursuit these will help us more. If not, we lock ourselves up and suffer deprivation and that is why we die so early.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2018

POLITICS

Your party the People’s Democratic Party has factions in Imo like as a few other states.

Won’t this be a minus for you in the coming elections?

That is part of the propaganda used by those scared by our party’s return. As I speak to you now, go and find out yourself as a journalist, there are no factions in Imo PDP. Following the resolution and settlement of the issues we once had at the national level, which led to the emergence of Chief Uche Secondus as our respected National Chairman, everyone has fallen in one single line.

We have streamlined things and I can say without sounding controversial or immodest that PDP is one party at all levels. Those talking about factions are just afraid of the renewed strength and vigour of our great party. So, PDP Imo is absolutely behind me as we go on this journey of recovering Imo State from the hands of fraudsters.

Are you sure of picking your party’s ticket in the primaries or will there be a consensus candidate?

I don’t want to blow my trumpet but I know Imo people know their leader. When we get to the bridge of the primaries, we will gladly cross it. But know it today that PDP in Imo is one united, strong and goal-oriented party. We did it in 2015 by arriving at a candidate who represents all interests. I am sure we will do it again ahead of the 2019 election.

Why I want to govern Imo State – Emeka Ihedioha • Says he has no godfather • Imo must be liberated Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chukwuemeka Ihedioha in this interview with DESMOND EKWUEME explains why he is the best choice for Imo as governor come 2019. He also sheds some light on the political arrangements leading to the general election...

This will surely wipe away crime.

You spoke about youth empowerment; that perhaps is the same reason given by Owelle Rochas Okorocha for presenting his Chief of Staff, Uche Nwosu as his successor.

Do you agree?

When we talk about youth empowerment, we must differentiate between youth empowerment and family empowerment. This is very critical. If you know the relationship between the governor and his Chief of staff, then you will understand where he is coming from and where he is going to. Imolites are no fools. You cannot desire to continue holding the state by the jugular under the pretence of wanting to hand over to youths.

Imolites know the game plan, they know the trick, they know the pretence, they can differentiate between lies and half-truths and they are watching and waiting till 2019.

Many believe that with the power of the outgoing governor and support from Abuja given that APC controls the centre and your state, you could find it difficult to defeat Okorocha’s candidate. Isn’t this argument valid in today’s political setting?

What do you have going for you looking at the quality of politicians indicating interest to occupy Government House, Owerri?

Without sounding boastful, I have seen all those angling to be governor. Perhaps, there are others yet to declare interest but I am convinced that I stand the best chance. Experience and pedigree are the catch phrase in politics. How many of them have the pedigree or experience to govern? It is one thing to aspire to be governor and another to have the capacity and quality of leadership especially talking about governing a state like ours.

By the grace of God, I have been involved in the administration of our beloved country.

It doesn’t matter the lies told about the immediate past administration, I know we did well enough to keep our economy going in the face of adversities especially politically motivated insurgency and insecurity. Today, we all know what is happening in the country. So, I am proud to say I have the required experience, exposure and clout to lead Imo people to their much-desired Promised Land.

In your view, which aspirant is the politician to beat in Imo gubernatorial race come 2019?

All aspirants know that Rt. Hon. Chukwuemeka Ihedioha is the man to beat. They know he has what they lack. They know he can open the doors they dare not near. They know he has built bridges across class, gender, religion and ethnicity, among others.

They know he is result-oriented. They know he has the capacity to clean up the mess of the last seven years. They know he has the contact to open doors for investors to turn around the misfortune of the state into advantage of economic boom. They know he is the true choice of Ndi Imo. Recently, the incumbent governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha placed a levy on communities per head of adults. What do you make of this?

It’s rather unfortunate. But that is the reality Imolites have come to live with. This sounds like multiple taxation. The key question here is how do you justify such tax with the deductions from source of civil servants?

Or don’t Imo civil servants pay tax? If they don’t, then, it is strange.

So how do you reconcile a situation where a civil servant is asked to pay such money given that he pays tax, among others? The ridiculous angle to the whole drama is that same persons you are asking to pay this so-called levy aside paying taxes have not received their salaries for God knows how long. Imo civil servants are one of the most poorly remunerated despite Imo being an oil-producing state. Imo produces nothing because all factories or production firms are

• Chukwuemeka Ihedioha either comatose or completely closed down.

This is why I insist that Imo is in bondage and needs to be quickly liberated.

The incumbent governor was credited with a recent statement that he has retired the likes of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Arthur Nzeribe, Chief Achike Udenwa, Ikedi Ohakim and by 2019, Sen. Ifeanyi Ararume would join the list. Most of these names mentioned are your party chieftains, what is your take on this?

I have not seen or read the statement but if he made it, then, it is highly regrettable and an insult to democracy and Ndi Imo. Some of the men mentioned here created the democratic paths, which the governor rode to power with either directly or indirectly.

The history of the uninterrupted democracy the country has enjoyed in the past 17 years cannot be complete without names like Chief Iwuanyanwu who at some point was a member of the Board of Trustees of our great party the PDP. We all know Dr. Iwuanyanwu’s contributions to democracy in this country through his political involvement in PDP. Don’t forget that Dr. Iwuanyanwu did not start politics in 1999 or with PDP. So when someone opens his mouth to say he has retired a politician in the class of Chief Iwuanyanwu then you can only leave such a person to his or her fate.

What are your expectations come 2019?

First, Imolites must vote out slavery and fraudsters. Power will return to them through voting in experience, pedigree and fear of God. The person with these qualities is Rt. Hon Chukwuemeka Ihedioha. Then, Imolites will join hands having taken back what rightfully belongs to them, which is power, to chart a new course of prosperity.

What model of Imo are you hoping to build?

Imo should not be a begging state. Imo should not be an indebted state. Imo should not be owing civil servants. Imo should not cripple money-spinning firms like Ada Palm.

Imo should not be destroying its youths by keeping them out of jobs. Truth is we have a high number of unemployed youths in Imo. In facts, ours is one of the largest number in the country. Please go find out.

I hope to build a model like Lagos. Imo should be the commercial nerve centre of at least the South East. Investors will be attracted by my goodwill and experience to set up production companies to employ our youths. The kind of companies we hope to set up will not lack raw materials because they will operate based on what we have in Imo. We will empower our youths to embrace sports, film making among others. We will create a business environment where everyone will have or fine something to do.

In case you have forgotten, let me remind you that the power of godfather and politics of godfather are fast disappearing from our political landscape. Check round and in recent elections across the states especially in the South and you discover that politicians and voters are relegating godfather politics to the background.

Aside this, however, Imo people have a peculiar political ideology of voting. It is about the individual and his background. How independent-minded he or she is. Talking about power at the centre or support of the outgoing governor among others, I want to remind you that this governor got into office defeating a sitting governor. So, Ndi Imo know what they want and what to do come 2019. This coming election is beyond all those. A lot of water has passed under the bridge. The people are pained and tired of the lies, falsehood, scam and fraud. They cannot continue like this else they go into a journey of no return.

You seem to condemn politics of godfather, are you suggesting that you don’t have a godfather?

Please do your findings or better still point at one politician and say he is my godfather.

For me, it has been God all the way. Those you see around me or those you see me around are God-sent. We are working on the basis of common goal and ideologies to better our country. However, I can gladly tell you that the voters are my godparents. The average Imolite is my godfather. My political friends and associates are my godfathers.

You see, truth is that leadership is about qualities. If you don’t have them, you simply don’t have them. And they are not things you can borrow. They are not transferable.

Or how can a godfather lend you qualities you naturally do not have? I know that our political system is gradually pushing aside the politics of godfather.

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The Oracle Today

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Energy

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Wednesday May 2, 2018

Finance

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FIRS unsettling businesses Licensing freeze threatens small Energy

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• Executive Chairman, FIRS, Mr. Tunde Fowler. enue drive applied by the FIRS, saying the agency is wreaking havoc on their operations and on a broader scope, strangling business growth in the country.

“FIRS is very aggressive in tax collection and it’s becoming unbearable, very unbearable and we are going to join hands together with other insurance firms to pull our resources together in the industry to ensure that the Insurance Act is changed this year.

As you know, sponsoring a bill at the National Assembly is an expensive venture, but we will try to effect that needed change.

As it is today, if I pay N1 billion in claims, the FIRS comes the following day to collect tax on the claims, nearly half of that payment. For us, that is eating into our cost of sales and it is not con-

CBN EXCHANGE RATES APRIL 24, 2018 Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central (NGN) Selling(NGN)

US DOLLAR 304.65 POUNDS STERLING 425.3523 EURO 372.7697 SWISS FRANC 312.1094 YEN 2.8159 CFA 0.5525 WAUA 441.431 YUAN/RENMINBI 48.2788 RIYAL 81.2335 SOUTH AFRICAN RAND 24.9174 SDR 442.1995

305.15 426.0504 373.3815 312.6217 2.8205 0.5625 442.1555 48.3585 81.3668 24.9583 442.9252

305.65 426.7485 373.9933 313.1339 2.8251 0.5725 442.88 48.4382 81.5001 24.9992 443.651

ducive for the business environment in the insurance industry.

“We paid claims of up to N1 billion and the FIRS is on our neck to tax us on the claims. How can an insurance firm pay tax on claims, that’s our cost of sales,” according to Executive Director (Operations), AIICO Insurance, Mr. Babatunde Fajemirokun, while fielding questions by journalists, last month, at the company’s head office in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The situation in the insurance industry, goes for the airlines and hospitality industry, where the issue of multiple taxations runs through.

Umbrella body of airline operators in the country, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), last year, had also expressed worry

asset producers

Travel

P20

Jos readies for 2018 Carnival P26

Insurance

FBNInsurance grosses N3.51bn premium in 2017 P28

HE Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), recently, had cause to celebrate its improved drive which had seen the agency rake in a total of N4.03 trillion in 2017 representing 82.38 per cent of government set target of N4.89 trillion.

This is also as the service disclosed that it contributed N2.78 trillion to the Federation Accounts, representing 99.5 per cent of the target for 2017 (7.5 per cent more than 2016 performance).

Executive Chairman, FIRS, Mr. Tunde Fowler, who made this known in February, this year while on a courtesy visit to the Palace of Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu 1, in company of members of the House of Representatives, institutional board members of the FIRS and some members of the State Boards of Internal Revenue Service, said FIRS’ collection of N4.03 trillion is N720 billion (22 per cent) more than the 2016 total collection figure of N3.305 trillion.

The 2017 collection performance exceeded the 2016 collection performance of 78.75 per cent.

“With the support of the National Assembly, your support and that of other stakeholders, FIRS was able to collect over N4 trillion in 2017. This is an increase of over 20 per cent relative to our collection in 2016. We are hopeful that (NASS) going forward, FIRS will be able to fund this country through taxation,” said Fowler.

An analysis of the collection performance indicates that nonoil accounted for 63 per cent while oil tax accounted for 38 per cent of the total collection.

Stamp Duty recorded the most increase in performance with 94 per cent.

However, business owners in the country have also raised the alarm over the method of rev-

over what they described as multiple and unfair taxes inflicted on airlines stating that these taxes are stifling the airlines.

The AON called on government to review such taxes as the Value Added Tax (VAT) arguing that in the case of VAT other modes of transportation are excluded but airlines are not, positing that it amounts to unfair taxing of airlines.

Chairman of the AON, Captain Nogie Meggison decried that domestic airlines have become cheap targets for government agencies and this has put additional pains and burden on operators thus providing the reason why 27 airlines have died in the last 25 years.

“Many of these taxes and charges amount to double taxation such that any incentive seemingly provided by government to airlines is taken back by the agencies.

“According to the existing Nigerian VAT Law, all forms of commercial transportation are exempted from VAT. Only Nigerian carriers are subject to pay VAT. Air transportation in Nigeria is subjected to 5% VAT contrary to the law. Road, Maritime and Rail transportation don’t pay VAT. Even foreign airlines operating in Nigeria don’t pay VAT. “There is an urgent need for a total harmonization of all agencies ‘charges into a one-stop shop payment system which was recently proposed by a committee set up by government and supported by the airlines, but was eventually frustrated by the agencies,” said Meggison.

At another forum with the FIRS, Meggisson appealed to Fowler to take a closer look into the issue of VAT for domestic air transportation in Nigeria, as, according to him, if VAT is to be removed, it will make fares affordable for passengers with fewer funds to fly, thereby increasing turnover generated by airlines.

Cont’d on Page 19

Stock Market Highlights As At 24th APRIL, 2018

Summary ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE EQUITY CAP S/N

40,802.78 4,918.00 246,578,295.00 N3,221,378,815.53 N14,738,607,724,671.96

Coy (By Volume) Volume

TRANSCORP ZENITHBANK CAVERTON FBNH GUARANTY

35,384,338 24,566,615 19,628,842 19,391,461 18,520,699

5 Top Gainers

Symbols Last Close NESTLE N1422.5 FO N39.3 ZENITHBANK N27.2 DANGSUGAR N20.55 DANGFLOUR N13.35

Value(N)

Five Tope Losers

N66,219,993.92 N682,214,392.40 N52,347,795.86 N259,296,293.40 N805,260,677.90

NB CONOIL JBERGER GLAXOSMITH STANBIC

N129.7 N33.45 N27 N24.5 N50

Current Change N1493.6 N43.3 N27.9 N21 N13.7

N125 N31.8 N25.6 N23.3 N48.9

%Change 71.1 5.00% 4 10.18% 0.7 2.57% 0.45 2.19% 0.35 2.62%

-4.7 -1.65 -1.35 -1.2 -1.1

-3.62% -4.93% -5.00% -4.90% -2.20%

The Oracle Today

18

Wednesday May 2, 2018

BUSINESS

UBA records 18% growth in gross earnings in Q1 2018 Stories by VICTOR NZE

U

NITED Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has posted a 17.89 percent increase in its gross earnings with the financial results showing that earnings rose to N119.4 billion in Q1 2018 from N101.3 billion in Q1 2017.

Also, the interest income appreciated by 17.7 percent in the period under review to N90.3 billion from N76.8 billion in the corresponding period on 2017.

This is just as net interest income hit N53.6 billion in Q1 2018 as against N51.6 billion in Q1 2017.

In addition, the fees and commission income increased by 21.4 percent to N20 billion from 16.5 billion in March 2017.

However, the net trading income and foreign exchange income went down during the period under review by 13.1 per-

cent to N6.7 billion from N7.8 billion in Q1 2017.

While the operating income increased in Q1 2018 to N77.6 billion from N72.6 billion in Q1 2017, the net impairment loss on loans and receivables improved by 53.1 percent in Q1 2018 to negative N1.5 billion from negative N3.1 billion in Q1 2017.

The total operating expenses as at March 31, 2018 stood at negative N49.7 billion versus negative N44 billion as at March 31, 2017.

However, the profit before tax increased by 4.3 percent to N26.6 billion from N25.5 billion, while the profit after tax rose by 6.2 percent to N23.7 billion from N22.4 billion.

The total assets of UBA in Q1 2018 stood at N4.3 trillion from N3.7 trillion in Q1 2017, while the total liabilities closed at N3.8 trillion as at March 31, 2018 in contrast to N3.2 trillion as at March • From left: Chairman, Forte Oil Plc, Mr Femi Otedola; Chairman, UBA Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu; and President, 31, 2017.

Dangote Industries, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, at the 2018 UBA CEO Awards where deserving staff of the Bank were honoured in a night of fun and entertainment at Eko Hotel, Lagos, weekend.

Elumelu upbeat on UBA finances

C

HAIRMAN of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr Tony Elumelu, says the pan-African financial institution remains financially strong despite the harsh operating environment.

Elumelu, who made this disclosure, Monday at the bank’s 56th Annual General Meeting (AGM) which held in Lagos, said he was impressed with the strong growth and performance recorded by the lender last year, which saw improvements in both the top and bottom lines.

According to him, “Overall, our bank grew profit before tax by 16.1 percent to N105.3 billion.

“More importantly, the bank remains financially strong, our balance sheet is well protected and our commitment to exceeding regulatory requirements remains.”

He informed the shareholders that the bank recently “opened for operations in Mali, because that economy is a viable one and would contribute to our bottom-line.”

He said operations in “Mali will benefit from UBA’s presence there while UBA will also benefit from Mali.”

On his part, the Group Managing Director of UBA, Mr Kennedy Uzoka, assured shareholders of the management’s commitment to building a stronger brand.

“UBA has built a great brand that is recognised all over the world, and because of this, we have decided to be outsidefocused rather than inside-focused. Being outside focused means we are concentrating on putting our customers first in all we do by making sure that we do things from the customers’ standpoint,” he further said.

Meanwhile, shareholders of the financial institution have commended the staff, management and the board for putting up an impressive performance in 2017, which led to a better dividend payout.

Chairman of Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mr Boniface Okezie, said at the AGM that, “I want to especially commend the management of UBA, especially the Chairman, Tony Elumelu, and GMD/CEO, Kennedy Uzoka, who have been managing activities of this great institution for the past two years.

“We the shareholders are impressed at results that you have recorded so far and the achievements that the bank has recorded under your leadership, especially the sterling contributions of our subsidiaries in Africa.

“We are especially impressed about what the bank has been doing in Africa. It has gone a long way to show that good things can come from Africa.

UBA has showcased a high level of ingenuity in the banking space, and we are glad for how this is translating into gains for our business.

Ecobank raises profit 49% in Q1 2018 B OARD of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (Ecobank) Plc has released the unaudited financial statements of the lender for the period ended March 31, 2018 with results showing gross earnings growing by 11.3 percent to N198.6 billion from N178.4 billion in the corresponding period of last year, while the interest income went up by 9.4 percent to N126.6 billion from N115.7 billion.

In the financial statements, Ecobank said its profit before tax increased by 48.1 percent to N33.9 billion from N22.9 billion as at March 31, 2017.

Also, the profit made by the lender after the tax deductions appreciated by 49.2 percent in Q1 2018 to N27.9 billion against N18.7 billion in Q1 2017.

The bank further disclosed that its operating income during the

NSE, RecyclePoints partner on waste management

N

igerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has entered into a strategic agreement with a recycling company, RecyclePoints Limited to collect and recycle waste materials generated at the NSE offices.

RecyclePoints Limited is a waste recycling and social benefit company that motivates people to recycle their everyday waste by creating value from recycled products and operating incentive based schemes.

During the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both parties, the NSE’s Head of Shared Services Division, Mr Bola Adeeko, stated: “As a sustainable stock exchange, we are committed to supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals as it relates to responsible production and consumption.

“In addition, environmental sustainability is one of our key CSR pillars and we believe that reducing the waste we send to the landfills through effective recycling is good for the environment and for the economy as well.

“By sorting our waste and sending applicable items such as paper, plas-

tic and glass etc. for recycling, we are creating jobs for the recycling sector and helping industries save cost on essential raw materials, while actively protecting the environment.

“More importantly, as a leader in the African business space, we are confident that this move will encourage other businesses to embrace corporate recycling, thereby igniting a good waste management culture across board.”

Also commenting, the CEO of Recyclepoints Limited, Mr Mazi Ukonu, remarked that, “We at RecyclePoints are very delighted that the NSE, as a responsible corporate citizen, has taken this bold step to implement a Corporate Recycling Program through our platform, thus further strengthening the achievement of its sustainability and environmental commitments.

“There has been a global call for corporate entities to create shared value and explore solving social issues as opportunities for competitive advantage. Signing this MoU exemplifies NSE’s strategic plan in finding innovate avenues of helping to solve social problems.”

period under review increased by 9.1 percent to N142.2 billion from N130.3 billion, while the net interest income moved up by 5.9 percent to N75.9 billion from N71.6 billion in the first three months of last year.

Furthermore, fee and commission income gulped N38.1 billion in Q1 2018 in contrast to N33.6 billion in Q1 2017.

It was also revealed in the bank’s earnings that the total assets as at March 31, 2018 stood at N6.8 trillion against N6.3 trillion as at March 31, 2017, while the total liabilities were N6.3 trillion versus N5.7 trillion as at this time last year.

Earnings per Share (EPS) grew during the period under review by 52.4 percent to 96 kobo from 63 kobo in Q1 2017.

AfDB, EIB boost DBN with $70m

N

ewly-established financial institution, Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has received a boost of $70 million from the duo of African Development Bank (AfDB) and European Investment Bank (EIB).

A statement issued on Thursday by EIB explained that the equity stake was to strengthen lending for business and agriculture investment in the Africa’s largest economy, which is working hard to diversify its economy and falling into a recession in the second quarter of 2016.

It was disclosed that EIB was providing $20 million, while the AfDB is putting down the remaining $50 million.

DBN was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to address financing challenges hindering private sector investment in the country. The Bank is called to play an important and catalytic role in providing funding and risk sharing facilities to micro, small and medium enterprises as well as small corporates.

“The Development Bank of Nigeria will overcome the funding gap in the micro-, small- and medium-scale enterprises space and help businesses unlock opportunities across Nigeria.

DBN’s ambition is strengthened by the financial and technical support of international partners, including the European Investment Bank and African Development Bank.

“The new institution builds on international experience and uses a business model that has demonstrated proven success to enhance privatesector investment across Africa and around the world where other financing options are inadequate or absent,” said Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director of the Development Bank

of Nigeria.

“DBN is expected to contribute to mobilizing significant long-term financing to an important yet underserved sector with high development potential,” said Stefan Nalletamby, Director of the Financial Sector Development Department at the African Development Bank.

“We look forward to continued close cooperation with Nigerian and international partners to ensure that once fully operational the new Development Bank of Nigeria can help harness the country’s economic potential,” said Ambroise Fayolle, VicePresident of the European Investment Bank (EIB).

“The European Union is committed to supporting private-sector investment in Nigeria. The new backing for the Development Bank of Nigeria by both the European Investment Bank, the bank of the European Union and the African Development Bank, with 13 EU member state shareholders, will make a clear contribution to tackling the lack of access to credit by entrepreneurs and businesses across the country.

“With more investment, we hope to promote a vibrant economy and stimulate growth, employment and increase opportunities, especially for youth,” said Ambassador Ketil Karlsen, Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Other international financial institutions including the World Bank, Germany’s KfW and the French Agence française de développement (AFD) will also support the new bank alongside backing from the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The Oracle Today

19

Wednesday May 2, 2018

BUSINESS

Wema Bank targets equity sale, N20b bond deal Stories by VICTOR NZE

M

anagement of Wema Bank Plc has expressed its intention to approach the bond market to raise about N20 billion in the middle of this year with the process kicking off next month.

The exercise is scheduled for July and it is partly to pay a dividend this year for the first time in a decade, paving the way for an equity sale next year.

Chief Financial Officer of the mid-tier bank, Mr Tunde Mabawonku, disclosed that Wema Bank was focused on selling debt this year after it raised N6.2 billion in its first tranche of a N50 billion debt programme.

“We would want to pay dividends first to existing shareholders before raising equity in early 2019. It could be a combination of rights issues and private placement,” Mr Mabawonku told Reuters by telephone.

The debt issue would help Wema boost its capital ratio above its internal guidance of 15 percent, from 14.3 percent, the bank said earlier. The regulatory minimum capital ratio for Wema and its peers is 10 percent.

In July, Wema Bank said it could issue debt assuming government bond yields dropped below 18 percent with falling inflation. Yields are now at around 14 percent.

It also talked about raising equity in 2018 to bolster its capital ratio and cut its operating costs as its new digital strategy gains traction.

Nigerian firms are tapping debt markets this year after the government redeemed some treasury bills, instead of rolling them over, to bring down yields.

Analysts expect the central bank to cut interest rates this year as inflation slows.

Nigeria’s biggest and oldest

leasing firm C&I Leasing plans to raise N7 billion in a bond issue next month.

Wema aims to revive loan growth this year by focusing on small firms after its lending dropped by 4.9 percent last year – despite the bank’s target of 1.5 percent growth. It plans to increase lending by 10 percent in 2018.

The bank said it recently obtained a $15 million loan from the Africa Development Bank and another $20 million from the Islamic Development Bank to boost lending.

Wema Bank’s 2017 pre-tax profit fell to N3billion from N3.25 billion a year earlier.

Its shares have climbed 69 percent this year, part of a broader rally in banking stocks as oil prices rose and Nigeria exited recession. They closed down 2.3 percent on Wednesday at 92 kobo per share.

• (General Manager, Nigerian Content Development (NCD), Ms. Anike Odunlami (r), receiving the award on behalf of Chevron companies in Nigeria from the Executive Director, Asset Management & Technical Services, Nigerian Gas Marketing Company Limited (a subsidiary of the NNPC), Engr. Emmanuel Akinsanya, during the 4th edition of the SubSahara Africa Upstream Oil and Gas summit and exhibition held in Abuja and organised by Zenith Professional Training Limited.

FBNInsurance donates dialysis machine to Gbagada General Hospital

F

BNInsurance Limitedhas donated a dialysis machine to the Gbagada General Hospital, Renal Dialysis centre. The donation was the second of its kind to the hospital from the company.

At the official commissioning held in the premises of the Lagos hospital, the Chairperson, FBNInsurance, Mrs Adenrele Kehinde, feted the validity of the human life, reiterating that every human deserves to lead a good life.

“We believe every human life is important and that every man deserves a better shot at life, no matter their health challenges.

We hope, therefore, that this new machine will complement the initial one donated and that

more people will have another shot at life, thanks to FBNInsurance,” she said.

Also, at a separate presentation, the Chairperson announced the donation of an ultrasound scan machine to the Maternity ward of the hospital, courtesy of the combined personal efforts of the members of the Board of FBNInsurance.

“As much as we try to ensure every human being enjoys the very best of health, we should also not forget the mothers who deliver these lives. The wellbeing of pregnant women should be a priority for all of us, this is why the members of the Board of FBNInsurance made personal commitments to the donation of

FIRS unsettling businesses in Nigeria

Continued from P17

“Accra has become the hub for doing business in West Africa today due to the fact that Ghana has adopted a deliberate economic policy to make Accra a hub for West Africa. And as a way of achieving this, it has adopted zero VAT for air transportation and lowered taxes on Jet A1 by 25 per cent which attracts more airlines to fly into the country for technical stops and for connections to cities around the world.

“This has had multiplier effect on the economy and greatly increased activities in the sector and the country at large. Nigeria therefore needs to take a bold economic step to jump-start aviation in order to make aviation the fourth contributor to the Gross Domestic Product, create jobs and make Nigeria the hub for Africa.”

It is understood that the Federal Government had given its

revenue generating agencies huge targets to meet, with some said to be responsible for their recurrent expenditure. However, some economic analysts have also wondered as to why the same government that has dragged its feet in providing basic amenities or even a veritable platform for business growth would move to over tax its business operators.

“The worst hit operators are those in the MSME sector. It’s difficult to run a business in this country at that level because there’s no incentive; no amenities to encourage start-ups, yet the tax people come knocking at your door expecting to get something from you. It’s just not fair.

If it is this hard for the bigger enterprises, what about the smaller players?

“Government has to do the needful. If you are going to go all out to collect taxes, then be sure that the people you are collecting

it from have the means to grow their businesses so that they can fulfill their obligations. That’s how it works in other climes; it’s not an over-expectation on the Nigerian government.

“They should go beyond the ease of doing business regime recently implemented and which is commendable to other programmes like tax incentives for a certain period, provision of basic amenities. I am a hotelier, and I’m speaking from experience.

“A situation whereby a hotel has to burn diesel from morning to night is affecting our profit, the same profit the FIRS is looking to tax us on. Now how does that work out? Ordinarily, it is the government that provides amenities or that enabling environment and then the business operators oblige with the needful, except of course, the operator is running a bad business model,” said Mr Eugene Okorie, a hotelier in Owerri, Imo State.

this ultrasound scan machine for the good of mankind and the betterment of humanity,” Adenrele said at the commissioning.

Medical Director, Gbagada General Hospital, Dr Lateef Lawal, thanked FBNInsurance for their continuous benevolence and

commitment to the hospital. He informed the gathering that the first dialysis machine, donated by FBNInsurance during the company’s 5th anniversary celebrations in 2015, had addressed the medical needs of 1,717 patients from November 2015 to December 2017.

Chevron receives award for sustained support for SMEs in Nigeria

C

HEVRON Nigeria Limited (CNL), operator of the NNPC/CNL Joint Venture, received an award for sustained support for small businesses in Nigeria during the 4th edition of the Sub-Sahara Africa Upstream Oil and Gas summit and exhibition held in Abuja from Tuesday April 11 to Friday April 13, 2018.

The Summit was organized

by Zenith Professional Training Limited.

The award was presented to CNL at a dinner event organized at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja and witnessed by many dignitaries including representatives of the NNPC/industry regulators, community representatives from the Niger Delta region and participants from other African countries and other industry players.

General Manager, Nigerian Content Development (NCD), Ms. Anike Odunlami, received the award on behalf of Chevron companies in Nigeria. It was presented by Engr. Emmanuel Akinsanya, the Executive Director, Asset Management & Technical Services, Nigerian Gas Marketing Company Limited (a subsidiary of the NNPC).

Speaking on the award, Ms. Odunlami noted that Chevron is committed to Nigerian Content Development (NCD) as

part of the company’s commitment to local capacity building in the nation’s oil and gas industry by empowering Nigerian service providers and suppliers through human and business capacity development, local patronage, work scope reservation and fostering of business partnerships.

She also stated that CNL consistently reserves significant portions of job scopes to benefit local community contractors from its areas of operation adding that CNL also has a strong focus on maintaining compliance in job awards to Nigerian contractors on its small, medium and major capital projects. According to her, this is achieved through a standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure equitable participation of community contractors through CNL’s robust Local Community Content (LCC) policy.

Also, the General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, (PGPA), Mr. Esimaje Brikinn highlighted the attendant benefits of the LCC SOP which includes that CNL’s preferential selection and work scope reservation ensures patronage of indigenous companies; and that the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) with the respec-

The Oracle Today

20

Wednesday May 2, 2018

ENERGY

Licensing freeze threatens small asset producers

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

O

PERATORS with lean asset base in the petroleum industry may have to evolve creative ways of acquiring more reserves if they have long term business focus in exploration and production.

Government sources hint that arrangement for award of oil blocks by the current administration of the federal government is not insight as the president who doubles as the Minister of Petroleum Resources is said to have failed to give attention to several proposals from the country to award exploration licenses to investors.

The freeze in asset award for exploration and production firms stand in the way of Nigerian Contnt policy targets which seeks to grow the volume of oil and gas produced by indigenous companies to over 50 percent in the short to medium term, and 70 percent in the long term.

Consequently the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010 proposes preferential petroleum asset award to indigenous companies. And Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, stated at a conference in Abuja that government was working to support indigenous companies take more production space in the country’s current output of some 2.5 million barrels per day of oil and condensate.

But the indigenous oil firms decry lingering lack of access to assets required to grow their share of production as years of expectation for full licensing round or marginal field round have not realization.

Managing Director of one of the indigenous producing companies stated that the failure of government to award exploration and mining licenses in the past 11 years has raised concerns over the future of the country petroleum industry as cumulative national crude oil and gas reserves continue to deplete and lean asset operators face uncertain business outlook.

In the period, several speculations about the possibility of bid round by the nation’s lease administrator, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) failed to translate to concrete moves while pressure from industry groups for release of more deepwater acreages and marginal field assets failed to attract government’s response.

Pressure on DPR and the parent Ministry of Petroleum Resources have normally produced plans and proposals for licensing round to the Presidency from where no official approval has returned.

It was gathered that several proposals for award of oil and gas exploration licenses have piled up in office of the president since the days of late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

It was initially assumed that the late president who battled health challenges while in office might have exercised caution after he inundated with petitions of asset disposals and backstage oil block awards by his predecessor, former President Oluisegun Obasanjo.

The last closed bid round was hosted in Lagos by the Department of Petroleum Resources in 2007 when the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo awarded prized exploration acreages to strategic investors.

• From left: Keynote Speakers: Chairman and Technical Lead, Nigeria Energy Forum, Dr. Oluwole Adeuyi; National Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NIEEE), Engr. Funso Adebayo; Chief Executive Officer, Lumos Nigeria, Mr. Houssam Azem; Executive Director, Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Sanusi Ohiare and Senior Advisor, Strategic Planning & Economic Services Department, OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), Dr. Fuad Siala during the 2018 Nigeria Energy Forum held at Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Since then, several promises of bid rounds for wild cat exploration acreages and marginal field rounds have not been met, and indigenous and foreign companies operating in Nigeria are seeking assets in new petroleum plays across Africa.

ExxonMobil, Total, Eni and Chevron have recently taken up exploration acreages in new petroleum plays in the continent, while some indigenous firms have also pressed far with exploration activities in other African countries.

Also delays in oil block awards in Nigeria added fillip to the hot scramble for brownfield assets.

Indigenous companies with the partnership of foreign independents have since staked over $15

billion in brownsfield asset acquisition as they drive accretive asset growth to sustain their businesses.

Two struggling local firms, Platform Petroleum and Shebah Exploration, which were challenged with falling production outlook, had sparked off the scramble with successful acquisition and optimization of three onshore assets divested by Shell, Total and Eni in 2010.

The deal for acquisition of 45 percent operating stake oil mining leases 4, 38 and 41formed raison d’être for Seplat Petroleum Development Company, the leading indigenous oil firm listed in Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and London Stock Exchange (LSE).

Since 2010, Shell has sold 45 percent stakes on behalf of Total and Eni in nine assets during its divestment programme which saw the operator walk out of OMLs 4, 38, 41, 26, 29, 30, 34, 40 and 42.

American ConocoPhilips also divested its interests in Nigeria in a bundle package to Oando Energy Resources for $1.2 billion while compatriot Chevron sold its 40 percent operating stake in OMLs 52, 53 and 55 onshore Niger Delta to Seplat led consortium for $900 million.

Smaller stake for cash swaps have been prevalent in the upstream petroleum industry as desperate firms farm into assets in control of smaller shallow pocket

the standing IGU Committees also means that Nigeria automatically has a seat in the IGUEC during the same triennium.”

The Oracle Today reports that Mr. Emeka Ene is not unfamiliar with industry leadership positions, neither is he averse to diversified investment portfolios in the petroleum and ancillary industry investments.

Mr. Ene is the immediate past President of the Nigerian Council of Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). He was also the immediate past Chairman of Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) as well as the leader upcoming modular refinery investment group.

It would be recalled that most of the policies currently under implementation in the Nigerian petroleum industry evolved from discussions and debates hosted by Mr. Ene led SPE and PETAN to proffer alternatives to previous government policy positions on refineries, pipelines and domestic gas pricing.

Apart from the Oildata Limited which gives major multinational oil companies keen competition in providing oilfield solutions to exploration and production operations across the globe, one of the subsidiaries, Xenergi, provides gas valorisation solutions to investments in domestic and export gas.

Mr. Ene’s companies form Nigeria’s major oilfield services export to United States, Middle East and Asia. The footprint of these companies might not be totally unconnected with recognition of Mr. Emeka Ene for the position of Vice

Chair at IGU. “We wish Mr. Ene a successful tenure,” NGA stated in a bulletin.

Meanwhile, Mr Ene might be part of the process roles in the highly publicized 19th International Conference & Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG2019).

The conference would be the next event in the LNG X series owned by IGU, Gas Technology Institute (GTI) and the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR).

The first set of Plenary Speakers is already confirmed, according to IGU. The global LNG event scheduled for Shanghai aims to conduct a strategic, technical and commer-

companies.

Managing Director of Seplat, Mr. Austin Avuru, told The Oracle Today that time was ripe for government open up the deep and ultradeep offshore terrains for exploration toe thrusting.

He canvassed a model where less challenging onshore assets are systematically divested to indigenous companies that demonstrate capacity for asset valorisation, field reserves maintenance as well as technical and operational efficiency.

He pointed at the gains of government’s initial marginal field round as good example of value generation from under-tapped assets, adding that most of the marginal field operators are transforming to local independents. He made it clear that the highly successful local content policy in the petroleum industry might not be sustainable without availing assets to drivers of the industry.

The Oracle reports that DPR has consistently declared that huge exploration opportunities exist in the country’s inland basins, deepwater terrains and under-tapped onshore and shallow water basins.

Already government has mapped out over 50 marginal fields for the next marginal field round and also laid out guidelines for participation in the race which is expected to witness mass turnout of indigenous independents.

However, many and mainly small indigenous exploration and production companies already running huge overhead costs on declining production face uncertain future if they are not provided more assets on which to sustain their operations.

Emeka Ene puts Nigeria on the Board of IGU

E

MINENT petroleum industry engineer, Mr. Emeka Ene, has become the first African to be appointed into the global executive committee of International Gas Union (IGU).

Executive Secretary of Nigerian Gas Association (NGA), Mr. Taji Ogbe, informed members of the Nigerian gas players in a circular that Nigeria’s Emeka Ene is appointed Vice Chair of IGU Exploration & Production Committee for the 2018-2021 triennium.

He said the appointment was sequel to a meeting of the IGU held last quarter of 2017 in Tokyo, Japan.

According to Ogbe, “the Council of the International Gas Union (IGU) has entrusted Nigeria’s Mr. Emeka Ene (member, NGA), CEO Oildata Energy Group (Oildata & Xenergi) with the position of Vice Chair of the IGU Exploration & Production Committee for the 20182021 triennium.”

The Oracle Today confirms that Mr. Ene has accepted the appointment and is looking forward to the inauguration slated to hold during an upcoming meeting of the IGU scheduled for Washington this June.

“According to Article 11.4 of the IGU Articles of Association, the Vice Chairs for the 2018-2021 triennium are eligible to become Chairs in the 2021-2024 triennium, subject to the decision of the IGU Executive Committee (IGUEC),” Mr. Ogbe stated.

In expressing pride of the NGA in Mr. Ene’s appointment, NGA remarks that: “Having a representative in a Chair position in one of

cial event for the LNG industry.

Plenary speakers are to feature representation from the leading global energy companies, Government Ministers and senior level non-industry representatives who will debate the most topical issues facing the LNG industry in 2019, as well as discussing where the future of the industry is heading.

China is the world’s fastest growing LNG market. Forbes recently reported “LNG demand increased 33% in 2016 and surged 50% last year, and China overtook South Korea as the world’s second largest importer after Japan.”

Addax labour crisis puts 30,000 b/d at risk

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trike by senior workers of Addax Petroleum may put production of 30,000 barrels per day of crude oil at risk following the delays in permanent resolution of the crisis.

The company’s branch of White collar Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) which commenced indefinite strike on April 16 says that issues at dispute are far from being resolved even though pressure is on the management of the company to restore normalcy.

The workers had during their protest locked out senior staff from the company’s Lagos office, raising fears that further picketing could cause Addax to have to shut in an estimated 30,000 bpd in production if field offices are also picketed.

The chairman of the local chapter of PENGASSAN, Chris Ogiewonyi, said workers resorted to the indefinite strike as a result of failed and inconclusive communications between the union and management over alleged “culture of impunity against some of its officials.”

The attack on Addax would be one in a series of picketing spree by the unions which has come under criticism in recent times for indiscriminate attacks on companies that employ most of its members.

Similar attacks by the leaders of the union led to unified measure by indigenous oil service companies whose members are targeted by PENGASSAN to review existing terms of employment and possible restaff.

The Oracle Today

21

Wednesday May 2, 2018

ENERGY

PETAN mounts pole for Nigerian flag at OTC 2018

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

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ETROLEUM Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) will take a visible position in the hyped global petroleum industry technology summit to be hosted in Houston, Texas, United States of America by the end of the month.

The Oracle Today reports that the offshore oil and gas industry’s largest equipment exhibition, Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), is celebrating its 50th edition this year, and despite withdrawal of support by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources for the summit, PETAN has concluded arrangements to fly the Nigerian flag high at the event.

Led by its Chairman, Mr. BankAnthony Okoroafor, PETAN stands for promotion and the development of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria through hosting and participating in conferences, seminars and workshops, as well as creating opportunities for Nigerian oil and gas companies to develop in a highly competitive environment.

According to a statement by Publicity Secretary of PETAN, Mr Ranti Omole, the group of globally competitive Nigerian oil service companies has concluded plans to erect Nigerian Pavilion at OTC in addition to hosting workshops and seminars that proffer resolution to policy and operational issues that challenge the industry.

Whereas PETAN has been the traditional Nigerian flag bearer at the annual OTC, the group’s participation in the 2018 edition of the conference holds greater

stake for the country as the over 2,000 exhibitors and 70,000 attendees from over 100 countries around the world converge in Houston to draw knowledge from more than 350 technical presentations.

According to the organizers, OTC 2018 also pools the biggest crowd of attendees, exhibitors, speakers and technical presentations at the weeklong event to celebrate 50 years of hosting a global platform that showcases the industry’s latest innovations in offshore technology.

According to Mr. Omole, PETAN recognises the role of OTC as premier gathering of professionals and opinion leaders in the global oil and gas industry which provides excellent opportunities for positive portrayal and promotion of the great potentials of Nigeria and the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

“It also provides a unique platform for close interactions with leading international and major Nigerian oil service companies, indigenous oil companies, industry executives, government policy makers and political leaders, to share ideas on improving the Nigerian oil industry,” he said.

He stated that PETAN member companies and other indigenous oil service companies would be part of a robust contingent of industry leaders to showcase the dynamism and potentials of Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry at the event where about 2,500 professionals are expected to interact.

The make Nigeria’s presence at the event very resounding, PETAN stated that it would raise of platform for policy and strat-

• NNPC GMD, Dr. Maikanti Baru; President of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Engr. (Mrs. Felicia Nnenna Agubata (left); and representative of the Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engr. Babagana Mohammed (right), with some of the girl-children beneficiaries of APWEN scholarship during the flag-off of the “Invent It, Build It” programme in Misau, Bauchi State. egy debate for top range panellists after the official opening of Nigerian PETAN Pavillion by Nigerian petroleum industry captains.

Other activities planned by PETAN include Luncheon and Panel Session, Nigeria oil and gas industry dinner, African Collaboration Workshop and Networking Golf Tournament.

Panellists confirmed for discussions on Nigeria’s Gas Flare Commercialisation: Prospects and Opportunities include the Chairman and Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria Limited Mr Jeffrey Ewing; Managing Director, Nigerian Liq-

uefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, Mr Tony Attah; and Chairman, Seplat Petroleum Development Company, Dr. A B C Orjiako.

Others are: Managing Director, Aiteo Group, Mr Chike Onyejekwe; CEO Shoreline, Mr Kola Karim; and GMD of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, who is to present the Lead paper.

At a workshop titled; Oil & Gas Industry in Africa: Prospect, Challenges and Opportunities for Regional Collaborations, the panellists include the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dakuku Peterside; Managing Director of SNEPCO, Mr Bayo Ojulari; and Managing

Global LNG imports sets record growth in 2017

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lobal LNG imports in 2017 increased by nearly 10%, the highest annual growth rate since 2010, reaching 289.8 million mt, while expectations of an LNG surplus failed to materialize as rising imports into China contributed to balancing the market, an industry report showed.

Given significant demand growth

prospects and the recent slow-down in FIDs, the risk of a potential tightening of demand and supply must not be minimized for the medium term, the International Group of LNG Importers’ 2018 report showed.

Spot LNG import, defined by GIIGNL as LNG deliveries which occurred less than three months from

Eni to invest $billions in Algeria I

talian multinational energy firm, Eni, has announced plans to invest billions of dollar in Algeria over the next three years.

The company’s CEO Claudio Descalzi stated that the Italian energy firm had agreed to extend its partnership with Algerian state firm Sonatrach.

“We need to invest more because Algeria still has a lot of gas,” he told an energy conference in the western Algerian city of Oran, adding that Eni was eyeing the OPEC member’s offshore holdings.

“Offshore is very interesting in Algeria, we are working on it. But we did not get blocks yet,” Descalzi said.

Last year, Eni invested $600 million in Algeria and imported 11 billion cubic metres of gas from the North African country, Descalzi said.

The Italian government, which

controls Eni, is keen to turn Italy into a Southern European gas hub capable of moving African supplies from Algeria and Libya and future flows from Azerbaijan into Europe.

Italy’s gas imports have tipped away from Algeria towards Russia in recent years as Algerian production has stagnated.

Sonatrach has struggled to attract foreign investment, a position that CEO Abdelmoumen Ould Kadour is trying to reverse.

One delayed Algerian gas field was brought online last year with three more expected to start producing this year, lifting annual gas output of 94 billion cubic metres by 9 billion cubic metres.

In a statement released earlier, Eni said it had signed new deals with Sonatrach and that the launch of an exploration and development programme in Algeria’s Berkine basin would be “particularly important.”

the transaction date, reached approximately 20% of total volumes delivered in 2017, representing about 59 million mt of LNG. Spot imports were facilitated by LNG contracts with destination flexibility, by increased contracts for portfolio trade and by the growing volumes handled by traders. Asia received about 60% of spot LNG (35.4 million mt), followed by Europe (9.0 million mt), the Americas (8.6 million mt) and the Middle East (5.5 million mt).

The largest growth in spot imports came from China and South Korea, which imported 21% and 22%, respectively, of their LNG supplies on a spot basis last year.

The rise of spot and short-term volume, which combined accounted for 27% of total trade, was underpinned by the development of US exports, which accounted for 10.4% of LNG volumes delivered under contracts of four years or less in 2017.

Mirroring the 2016 situation, spot LNG prices followed a seasonal profile last year, although the increase in the last few weeks of 2017 was stronger than a year earlier because of much higher than expected Chinese demand, and colder than normal weather in northeast Asia.

The main additions to LNG supply came from Australia and the US, where production from trains commissioned in 2016 continued

to ramp-up, and a total of five new liquefaction trains -- Gorgon Train 3, Wheatstone Train 1 in Australia, Sabine Pass Train 3 and Train 4 in the US and Yamal LNG Train 1 in Russia - started-up in 2017. Malaysia’s Floating LNG Satu, the world’s first FLNG project, also began producing during the year.

Most of the demand growth occurred in Asia, where LNG imports grew by 19.6 million mt. Mainly influenced by energy policy orientation in China, Korea and Taiwan, demand from northeast Asian buyers experienced a strong rebound, which was not the case at the beginning of the year.

The LNG industry experienced an accelerated change in 2017. Driven

by US LNG exports, the significant supply build-up on the horizon could further transform our industry and bring on new evolutions, including a rise in market liquidity and flexibility, GIIGNL president Jean-Marie Dauger said.

“New commercial instruments are implemented to adapt to the new realities of the markets as some traditional ones - such as destination restrictions - tend to be progressively shelved. As aggregators and traders take a greater share of the market, the break-up of the traditional value chain is gathering pace,” Dauger added.

Director, Eroton E&P, Mr Ebiaho Emafo.

Others are: Vice President, Aiteo Group, Mr Victor Okoronkwo; and CEO Millenium Oil & Gas, Mrs Cecilia Umoren.

Eminent industry geologist and opinion leader who is also the Managing Director of Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, Mr Austin Avuru, is billed to moderate the session.

The key highlights of OTC at 50 include programming which reflects on our history, the current state of the industry, and what is on the horizon; faster deployment of new technologies; as well as solutions to reduce the development timeline and create project-ready technologies which meet current industry challenges.

There are also themes on cost reducing tools and techniques that point at ways to decrease costs and improve overall value while maintaining high standards for safety, operations ability, and reliability.

Integrating to innovate also forms a theme on how advanced software, nanotechnology, and the digital revolution are integrating disciplines and triggering an historic transformation in the offshore energy sector.

Debates on meeting global demand would feature concerns over meeting the energy needs of fast-growing economies while reducing carbon emissions and carefully considering the impact of digital technology.

There will be also update on world-class projects. Discussions are to feature the latest on landmark projects which have resulted in breakthrough technologies in a low oil price environment.

The event provides a global milieu in which executives from service companies and operators, including IOCs and NOCs, share accomplishments from projects in Canada, Malaysia, the Gulf of Mexico, and the North Sea.

The Oracle Today

22

Wednesday May 2, 2018

e-Platform

African must tackle girls’ education with political will, tech-based learning – Commonwealth • Commonwealth of Learning says African member states must confront girl’s education with Technology-based learning and strong political will.

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HE Commonwealth of Learning (COL) President and CEO, Professor Asha Kanwar, has suggested three policy approaches to ensure that more girls have access to quality schooling, according to a statement forwarded to IT NEWS NGERIA. Speaking at the Commonwealth Women’s Forum in London weekend, she stressed the need for political will among stakeholders. She added that focusing on open, distance and technology-based learning, as well as on the development of social capital, will expose more girls to education.

“COL is committed to promoting ‘learning for sustainable development’ and women’s equality and empowerment are central to that vision,” said Professor Kanwar. COL addresses the many barriers to girls’ education effectively through innovative approaches to overcome the constraints of resources, environment and society. Professor Kanwar highlighted some examples of how open schools and distance learning allow learners to study at their own pace, place and time, saving on substantial opportunity costs for the families.

COL in collaboration with UNICEF implemented the Child Friendly School model in Nigeria.

This model aims to improve the quality of learning by providing safety and security, sanitation, and child-centered teaching methodologies. A study of a COL-supported open school in Belize revealed that every dollar invested has resulted in $8 worth of perceived benefits to the girls.

COL trains adolescent girls for livelihoods and focuses on sensitising the communities and families first.

The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) is an intergovernmental organisation created

by Commonwealth Heads of Government to promote the development and sharing of open learning and distance education knowledge, resources and technologies. Hosted by the Government of Canada and headquartered in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, COL is the world’s only intergovernmental organisation solely concerned with the promotion and development of distance education and open learning. COL empowers people through learning that leads to economic growth, social inclusion and environmental conservation.

• Jacqueline Micallef Grimard, COL President and CEO, Professor Asha Kanwar, Helen Hones and Joanna Newman at the Commonwealth Women’s Forum in London.

Nigeria telecoms Rregulator, NCC bags Best Employer Development Award

N

igerian Communications Commission receives Best Contributing Employer in Human Resource Development.

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has recently awarded the NCC with Best Contribution Employer in Human Resource Development in 2017.

The Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund, Mr. Joseph Ntung Ari who was represented by Deputy Director/Area

Manager ITF Abuja area Office, Usman M.Sani in his opening remarks said his organization was very selective in their choice and described the Human Capital of NCC as a parameter outlined by ITF that captured the Human Capital analysis of training programme, seminnizations considered for this award.

The EVC, who was represented by Director Human Capital and Infrastructure Group, Maryam Bayi said the Commission

MainOne secures operations license in Cote D’Ivoire • MainOne says its West Africa expansion gets boost with Cote D’Ivoire license

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ainOne announced today it has secured a license to expand national and international connectivity services in Cote D’Ivoire, according to a statement.

It added that the C1B license, received from Minister Bruno Koné, the country’s Minister for Communication, Digital Economy and Postal Services, will enable MainOne land its submarine cable and build transmission infrastructure in Cote D’Ivoire, to strengthen connectivity, reduce international capacity costs and support wholesale customers, major operators and Internet Service Providers.

Cote D’Ivoire authorities believe that the construction of a fourth cable authorised by the government will improve the international connectivity of the country and will provide a lot more opportunities for the national market while increasing competition. “We have just taken an important step through this authorisation for the im-

provement of the telecommunication infrastructure of our country, specifically the improvement of international connectivity.

MainOne cable will have an impact on price and quality and will strengthen the security of our infrastructure”, declared Minister Bruno Koné.

The entry of MainOne, an openaccess connectivity services provider will further democratize the international bandwidth market in Cote D’Ivoire and neighbouring countries and drive down bandwidth costs for local Internet Service Providers, Telcos and indigenous businesses.

“Cote D’Ivoire is the largest economy in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and a very important hub for business and transport in West Africa. The dynamism of the national economy and accelerated development of the digital economy in Cote D’Ivoire as well as its regional leadership makes it a natural hub for the West African region and guided MainOne’s de-

cision to invest in Cote D’Ivoire”, said Funke Opeke, Chief Executive Officer of MainOne. As part of an overarching plan to invest close to $20m in Cote D’Ivoire with a focus on the provision of wholesale connectivity services, MainOne has obtained the license and will commence the construction of its digital transmission cable in June 2018, to be concluded in the second half of 2019. Its cable landing will provide open-access infrastructure within Cote D’Ivoire and other WAEMU countries to expand internet access for all users in the region and support rapid development as well as facilitate increased non-resources trade and improve public services to aid the evolution of regional businesses.

“By investing and encouraging the business ecosystem within West Africa, we hope to bring meaningful technology solutions to businesses, to enable them in their quest for improved productivity and efficiency through dedicated and reliable connectivity

services. We are prepared to collaborate with incumbent operators towards enhancing regional integration and global access,” Ms. Opeke concluded.

MainOne is committed to deepening broadband access via fibre infrastructure and data centres across West Africa. With service delivery in 10 countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo, Cameroun, Benin, Niger, Senegal and Chad, MainOne operates a 100G international submarine cable system which guarantees highly reliable connectivity to support the growing demand for Internet access and bandwidth-intensive applications such as eCommerce, Content providers, OTT players and electronic banking and payment services via 3/4G mobile networks. The MainOne Submarine cable was the first privately owned cable in West Africa spanning 7000KM with a capacity of 4.96 TBPS to connect West Africa to Europe via a landing in Portugal and multiple routes to London, Paris and Amsterdam.

was honoured to be recognised by the Industrial Training Fund for its efforts in Human Capital Development.

Maryam Bayi added that the industry that we regulate is very dynamic and demands steady and comprehensive development of the workforce to be able to meet our vision and mission statements, core values and principles.

She also said, one of the components of the 8-Points Agenda of the Management of the Commission is to ensure Regulatory Excellence and Operational Efficiency. All this cannot be achieved without adequately building the capacity of the individuals that drive the Commission’s work processes.

Bayi, further stated that the Human Capital is the best asset of an Organization, coupled with the fact that NCC is a knowledge based agency; learning and development must be a top priority for the NCC to succeed in the ever dynamic and evolving technologies industry.

She expressed appreciation to ITF for the award and promised to convey to the EVC/ CEO NCC this recognition of excellence.

• Danbatta, DG NCC

The Oracle Today

23

Wednesday May 2, 2018

NEWS Extra

2019: PDP chieftain, Nwosu to run for president

By COLLINS UGHALAA

fight corruption, create jobs, fix the education system, transport sectors and give power back to the people by way of empowering the local Government in particular so that they can work effectively again and transparently,” Nwosu said.

In her response, the Rt. Hon. Joan Ryan MP thanked Barrister Nwosu for the courtesy visit.

She further said that the Nigerian Community in her constituency was growing and very positive.

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chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State from Umuokanne in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, Barr Sympathy Nwosu, has declared his intention to contest the office of the President in 2019.

Nwosu, a Principal Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales, has begun his consultation across board for the actualization of his presidential dream.

As part of his consultation with Nigerians in the diaspora and other communities in the United Kingdom, the PDP Presidential aspirant paid a courtesy visit to Rt. Hon. Joan Ryan, the Member of Parliament for Enfield North, where he lives, to inform her of his intention to contest the Presidential election in Nigeria in 2019.

Nwosu said he came to inform Hon Ryan of his intention to contest the 2019 Presidential election in Nigeria.

“It may interest you to know that I studied and practice Law here in the United Kingdom. I am as well an employer of labour. But, that is not all. I am a Nigerian and there is a lot going

Nigeria to face unprecedented pressure in livestock production – FAO

T Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel (third left) commissioning a new 132/33kv,1×60 MVA Power Transformer at TCN Sub Station, Afaha Ube, Uyo, Monday.

on wrongly over there which need to be fixed. And, I humbly believe that I am equipped and capable of fixing those things and transform Nigeria for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“I have learned many posi-

tive things in the UK which can be transferred to Nigeria for the betterment of the citizens”.

“It is unfortunate that a report published not long ago

by Transparency International ranked Nigeria 148 out of 180

countries assessed in 2017 on the perception of corruption.

It means that the perception of corruption in Nigeria worsened between 2016 and 2017.

“If given the opportunity to serve Nigeria, I will effectively

Bird flu: FG spends N2.8bn as compensation to poultry farmers

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inister of State for Agriculture, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Tuesday, said the Federal Government has spent about N2.8 billion as compensation to poultry farmers who lost their birds to avian influenza nationwide.

Lokpobiri told newsmen shortly after a familiarisation tour of Agricultural Institutes under Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State.

The institutes include; Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) and National Agricultural Extension Research and Liaisons Services (NAERLS). Others are National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) and Division of Agricultural Colleges (DAC).

“Like I said earlier, we have just paid about N2.8 billion as compensation to people who lost their birds to avian influenza.

Meanwhile, NAPRI took over a decade to be able to do research and we are able to get the birds that were resistant to avian influenza.

“But many Nigerians are not aware, even those that are aware do not know that NAPRI has the capacity to multiply and supply same to the market. Therefore, the institute has no business crying for money, you need to commercialise your research product,” he said.

The minister observed that commercialisation of research had become a norm globally, hence the need for Nigerian research institutes to join the queue.

According to him, the professors and researchers are spending so much time and energy doing researches and evolving technologies which should be commercialised by the instututes for maximum benefits to the public.

“What is the essence of doing a research if you cannot take it to the public, when they commercialise, they will get some additional money on top of what government is giving.

“This will change the whole dynamics of the agric sector and we have given that mandate to all our research institutes to do a lot more research, government cannot provide sufficient money for them to meet all their needs.

“But they have to do what they are paid to do, commercialise the research outputs not only to Nigerians but to the whole of the world, so that we can begin to use those products to get money from the rest of the world.”

Lokpobiri commended the agricultural institutes for a job well done, saying, “I have heard so much about what the institutes are doing and what ABU is doing, I am very happy that I am here today, I have come and I have seen.

“I will like to come back again and again until we achieve the objective for each of those institutes and you will agree with me agriculture wasn’t receiving the desired attention before this government came into power.

“But we are trying as much as possible to increase budgetary

allocation to agricultural sector on a sustainable basis and the President is committed to ensuring that whether oil is $100 per barrel, agriculture is the way to go.”

He identified agriculture as the only path for Nigeria to attain self-sufficiency, adding that it was the only sure way to create jobs for the people, curb restiveness, reduce poverty and get people committed.

Lokpobiri explained that the present government was trying

to make agriculture a business, adding that in the past, people see agriculture as a way of life.

The minister said agriculture had now become a business in every part of the world, adding that the richest people now are farmers.

“The richest people are those who are investing in agriculture because you may be an investor in oil and gas, I may decide not to patronise you, you may be an investor in textile, production of cars among others.

INI BILLIE, Uyo

Ube in Akwa Ibom state.

He noted that if significant attention is not given to distribution networks, the efforts of Transmission Company of Nigeria [TCN] at increasing the capacity of power supply would not be achieved.

He said TCN’s work with the federal government’s policy on incremental power supply has led to the extension of transmission networks, the building of new substations and the strengthening of existing ones.

“Although the Nigeria Electricity Industry is still facing liquidity problem, it is important to note that the only way that TCN’s rehabilitation and expansion programme can give maximum benefit to the nation, is if a commensurate investment is done on

he Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) agency of the United Nations, says Nigeria, in the next 30 to 40 years, will face unprecedented pressure in its livestock production.

FAO Country Representative in Nigeria, Mr Suffyan Koroma, made the prediction in Abuja, Tuesday at the onset of the dialogue on in Abuja “Lunch of Africa Sustainable Livestock’’ (ASL 2050) project.

He said that the forecast was built on the evidence that the demand for livestock-based foods would grow rapidly due to increased human population and resultant rise in consumer purchasing power and urbanisation.

“Data from FAO shows that by 2050, beef, dairy and poultry consumption are anticipated to grow by 117 per cent, 557 per cent and 253 per cent respectively from the 2010 levels,’’ he said.

Koroma said that as a result of this data, policy and institutional reforms should be developed, while long-term projections were made.

He also called for solid data and evidence-based analysis to ensure that the opportunities generated by the growing market for livestock-based foods translated into widespread benefits for the populace, including livestock producers, consumers and others along the value chains.

Significant investment in electricity distribution network necessary – Fashola

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inister of Power, Works and Housing Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has said significant investment in the distribution network of electricity was necessary for power to be adequately enjoyed by end users in the country.

He said the only way for the Transmission Company of Nigeria to give maximum service delivery to Nigerians was when a lot investment is carried out on the various distribution networks.

Fashola who was represented by the Head of Service Provider, TCN, Mr Victor Adewumi stated this yesterday in Uyo during the commissioning of 1x60MVA 132/33KV transformer in Uyo transmission substation at Afaha

the various distribution networks nationwide.

“Inadequacies in the distribution networks will limit the amount of power delivered to end users. This calls for significant investment in the distribution network.

“As part of the program, another milestone has been achieved here today in the growing modern city of Uyo the capital city of Akwa Ibom state with the installation of additional 1x60MVA transformer in the transmission substation.

“The capacity of the substation prior to this installation was 120MVA. This has increased to 180MVA capacity transmission substation with the commissioning now of the additional 60MVA power transformer”, he added.

24

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2018

ISSN: 2545-5869

www.oraclenews.ng

EDITORIAL

VOX POPULI SACRUM

President breaks law on $1b from Crude Account Cont’d front page 1

somnolence while the national purse is appropriated?

IF the Federal Government took its giant share of N183.6b, the States would still be left with N122.4b, an average of N3.3b each, including Abuja. How could the money be so mindlessly handed over for the fight against insurgency in the North East, without provisions for States that are under siege from herdsmen?

The governors asked no questions about how the $1 billion would be spent, or the supervising authority.

THE Federal Government ignored Sections 80, 81 and 162 of the Constitution for the President, and Sections 120, 121 for governors, which make it mandatory for the Legislature to appropriate all expenditures. Not only did the Federal Government lie about its intention for the $1 billion, it has also consistently lied about having it pass through the approval processes at the National Assembly.

ITA Enang, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), swore several times that President Buhari would not spend the $1b unless he received approval from the National Assembly. In a rigmarole that captured the approval processes he stated: “I will say that the 2018 budget is still before the National Assembly.

If we conclude the tallying to know what the different armed services need, the army, the Air Force, the Navy, the police and others, we will then present that to the National Assembly and we will only implement it subject to what they have approved.”

“I want to clarify that none of these monies will be used by Mr. President, by the military or released for any purpose unless and until the money is appropriated by the National Assembly,” he added, stating as follows:

authorized by an Act of the National Assembly.

(4) No monies shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund or any other public fund of the Federation, except in the manner prescribed by the National Assembly 9. We are also conscious of the provisions of 1. That the said sum has not and cannot be apSections 4 and 5 of the 2017 Appropriation Act proved for spending by Mr. President. (relating to Excess crude Account) and would 2. That in accordance with best practices, Mr. not take any action in breach thereof.

President, having received approval of sum 10. Just as the Legislature in processing legislation from the National Economic Council made up starts with conceptualising, drafting, scrutiny of all the governors, now had a meeting with of the draft, gazetting, first reading, second the Minister of Defence, Service Chiefs and the reading, committal to appropriate committee, Inspector-General of Police, among others to public hearing, consideration of the Report by collate the needs of each of the Services and Committee of the whole or supply, passage the money available for appropriation and third reading in plenary, so also does the 3. That Mr. President and the meeting having Executive have and maintain standard operatcollated the needs of each service and the ing procedure, or due process or due diligence amount involved may now present same to in all actions. And at this stage, the matter is the Federal Executive Council for detailed conundergoing these processes. sideration, or in exercise of presidential powTherefore, the matter of the security fund is still ers may communicate same to the National undergoing standard processes for laying beAssembly for appropriation. fore the National Assembly for appropriation.

4. That this may be done as usual upon Mr. 11. In summary, ladies and gentlemen, the said sum President consulting prior with the leadership can only be spent upon and in the manner as of the National Assembly through the whole shall be approved by the National Assembly, body of principal officers or the presiding and assented to in Appropriation Act or suppleofficers of each chambers only, before origimentary Appropriation Act.” nating the communication to the National IT is now public that the President had paid for the Assembly warplanes since January, to meet a 28 February 5. That as at now, the process of approving the deadline. The request to the National Assembly money for use is inchoate and still undergoarrived in April, more than three months after ing Executive standard operating procedure the payment of $496m had been made. The before same would be laid before the National warplanes would be in Nigeria at the end of Assembly for appropriation.

2020.

6. That the processes now being worked on are “The resort to falsehood, deception and secrecy to fast-track these procedures so that the in the withdrawal from the ECA and the rerequest may be forwarded to the ported $469 million payment for the military National Assembly while it is still aircraft raise very serious issues regarding the considering the 2018 Appropriation integrity of the Buhari presidency,” the Peoples Bill (Budget) for incorporation as Mr. Democratic Party (PDP), said in a press statePresident’s supplementary request ment. under the 2018 Budget, or if complet- WE add that the National Assembly should sanced, after the 2018 Budget, it may be tion the administration for its conduct violates forwarded as supplementary ApproSections 80 and 81 of the Constitution. The priation Bill. expenditure was not a mistake as Sen. Enang’s 7. That succinctly stated, Mr. Presitreatise confirms. dent has not approved the sum for any release for any procurement or Our Vision application howsoever. In any case, TO BE among the top five newspapers in Nigeria and, in before any sum is released from the due course, the Numero Uno; to be a newspaper of reConsolidated Revenue Fund, there cords that effectively caters to the information needs of all segments and sections of the Nigerian society as well must be: A. Appropriation Act B. Vote of Charge C. Warrant which is legally predicated on appropriation authorisation subhead under the Act. That the Executive is conscious of the provisions of the Section 80 (3) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution, which states: “(3) No monies shall be withdrawn from any public fund of the Federation, other than the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation, unless the issue of those monies has been

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 2, 2018

OPINION Syria: And West finally calls Russia’s bluff

By ANSHEL PFEFFER

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id-April’s combined attack by the United States, Britain and France on the Assad regime’s chemical warfare bases in Syria may have been, as U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis described it, “a one-time shot,” but it also proved an important point.

Russia does not have the military capabilities necessary to prevent the U.S. and its allies from destroying targets that are ostensibly under its protection in Syria.

This should not come as a surprise. The United States Armed Forces – and, to a much smaller extent, those of Britain and France – have long been built to work on a global scale, with the capability to quickly deploy land, sea and air battle forces, backed up by electronic warfare aircraft and aerial tankers.

Russia’s army is still built around defensive-minded Soviet doctrines and is designed to protect the homeland, at the most fighting small local battles on its borders. The Russian force currently based in Syria consists of a couple of dozen bombers and attack helicopters, which can pulverize civilians in rebel-held enclaves but lack the sufficient equipment, or experience, to fight an adversary with cutting-edge capabilities.

Russian and Syrian sources boasted that 70 per cent of the missiles fired at regime targets had been shot down by the air defense systems Russia supplied to the regime. Just as they made a similar claim the previous week after the attack on the T4 air base, attributed to Israel. The Pentagon denied these claims and the Syrians have produced no evidence to back them up. They are unlikely to be true.

Russia, of course, remains a formidable military power, but that is largely when it is fighting on its own borders. This was

the second time in just over two months that its limitations in fighting abroad were exposed. In February, at least 200 Russian “mercenaries” were reported killed in U.S. airstrikes, called in when the Russian force took part in an attack on the U.S.-backed, mainly Kurdish, Syrian Democratic Forces.

That may have been a one-time shot as well, since U.S. President Donald Trump intends to end the U.S. presence in northeast Syria in support of the SDF soon. But the fact that his forces, and those of his Syrian and Iranian allies, are exposed will not have been lost on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Until now, Putin has had one major advantage in Syria: His was the only country, besides Iran, that was prepared to deploy its own significant contingent. In the vacuum left by then-President Barack Obama’s decision not to get involved in the Syrian war, beyond a belated air campaign against the Islamic State, Russia’s intervention was decisive.

But now the bubble in which Russia has been operating has been punctured again and again. When it was only Israel doing so, in pinpoint attacks on Hezbollah and Iranian targets (according to foreign sources), it was one thing. Israel rarely acknowledges its attacks and has an efficient “deconfliction” process with the Russian headquarters at the Khmeimim air base.

Russia’s appearance of omnipotence in the Syrian arena has been shattered. Appearances of power count for a lot in this region.

For now at least, the U.S.-led alliance doesn’t seem to be planning any further attacks on the regime beyond that one-off retaliation to the April 7 Douma chemical weapons attack – Trump after all tweeted “Mission Accomplished!” But Putin will feel he needs to somehow restore Russia’s deterrence.

His options are limited. Russia doesn’t have a military option to restore its deterrence in Syria. Its forces there are insufficient to take on any of the other nations who have operated, and may operate again, in Syria. Working together – and probably also individually – the United States, Britain and France, as well as Israel and Turkey, can all deploy larger and more capable forces to the region much faster than Russia can.

Another option already being exercised is the cyber one. Even the most casual Twitter user following foreign affairs will have noticed the “bots” out in force in recent days, simultaneously claiming that there was no chemical attack in Douma and a chemical attack had been carried out by Westernsupported rebels. The Pentagon assessed “a 2,000-percent increase in Russian trolls” within 24 hours.

But after all we’ve learned in the last two years, the effectiveness of trolls – whether fake ones manufactured in Russia, or real far-left and far-right mouthpieces who can be relied upon to parrot the Kremlin’s line – is no longer as devastating as it was during the U.S. presidential election.

A more ominous cyber-threat was contained in the warning issued Monday by the U.S. and British governments of a concerted campaign by Russian hackers to take control of Internet routers used by government and critical infrastructure networks. If successful, such a hacking operation could have devastating results, but if linked to Russia – and the warning spoke of “high confidence” that it is – that could lead to a serious escalation of tensions between the West and Russia. But would it make future Western intervention in Syria less likely?

Another possibility is a concerted military push inside Syria against the rebel-held areas near the Turkish border, perhaps with some form of coordination with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with the

aim of provoking another major flow of refugees through Turkey into Europe. Russian Foreign Minster Sergey Lavrov has warned of such an outcome to the West’s “adventures.”

While this wouldn’t directly threaten the United States, Britain or France, a similar exodus of Syrian refugees through Turkey, and across the Aegean into Greece, to the million refugees who arrived in Europe in 2016 would seriously test the European Union’s members and have wider shock waves. But would Erdogan, who supported the airstrikes, partner Putin in such a move?

The EU has so far succeeded in buying him off and keeping the Aegean floodgates closed. What can Putin offer him to break the deal to keep the Syrian refugees out of Europe?

Two and a half years after Russia deployed its aircraft to Syria, Putin has yet to achieve the sort of leverage he was hoping for. His control of Syria and ostensible partnership with the West in fighting ISIS there hasn’t translated into concessions on sanctions or carte blanche to act in Ukraine. The opposite has happened, with enhanced sanctions.

Another attempt by Russia to exert pressure on the West, by singling out Britain for an assassination attempt on former spy Sergei Skripal using a nerve agent, resulted in a united Western response: the mass expulsion of Russian diplomats. And now the United States, Britain and France have got together to attack the Assad regime.

Putin’s bluff is finally being called. After years of inaction under Obama and despite Trump’s obvious reluctance, the United States and its allies are now challenging him and he’s running out of options.

• PFEFFER wrote this article originally for Haaretz, Israel’s English Language newspaper.

Ekiti 2018: Unhealthy rivalry among APC aspirants

By EHICHIOYA EZOMON

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he main opposition All Progressives Congress had 47 out of 63 aspirants (as of Friday, April 13) vying to be candidates of political parties in the July 14 governorship election in Ekiti. By mid last week, 24 of this number had obtained the nomination and expression of interest forms.

This shows there’s more interest and enthusiasm in the APC. It attests to the openness, and a level-playing ground guaranteed by the leadership of the party, both in Abuja and Ado-Ekiti, the capital city of Ekiti, to advance internal democracy.

This is contrary to what obtains in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, where one of the few applicants has been technically anointed as “the candidate” by Governor Ayodele Fayose. That “unilateral” nomination of his deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, has caused fissures in Ekiti PDP, leading to recent defection of some chieftains to the burgeoning Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The large number of hopefuls in the APC also indicates that virtually all 16 local governments in Ekiti are represented in the scramble to spread the governorship slot, and the “sharing from the national cake” by all sections of the state. Hence, other things held constant, it places the party in good stead to win at the July poll.

But in the heat of campaigns, and as the number of aspirants swelled, the electorate, especially members of the APC, began to hear mixed messages: the desire to send packing the PDP government of Governor Fayose, and at the same time shut out some contestants, who had ruled Ekiti but still have the right to another term of office, as endorsed by the APC constitution and the amended 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.

For instance, while declaring his interest in

the governorship race at a rally in Ado-Ekiti, the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Mr. Babafemi Ojudu, trained his focus on removing the incumbent government in the state.

His words: “Today, I declare my desire to be the next governor of our state. Today, I ask you to join me in bringing sense back to our government house. Today, I ask you to join me in bringing better jobs to the state. I call on you, indigenes and residents, to join me aboard our train of progress.

“If you want a better life for your children, join us and let us make our state a pacesetter state. I know that the journey cannot be easy because we will have to climb mountains but our work will not be in vain. It’s time to vote out corrupt leadership in the state; it’s time to say bye bye to (Governor) Fayose and his useless government.”

Yet, on the day Ojudu obtained his nomination and expression of interest forms, he turned on his APC co-contestants, as follows: “Over the years, scammers and gangsters have governed us and (this) has led us to where we are today... Since 1999, I have been fighting to correct that (the) wrongs in my state. But I have come to see that the elements that have come to be in charge of the state have not done what they are supposed to do and have not carried on with the dream of the founding fathers.”

It’s an undisguised dig at former Governors Niyi Adebayo, Segun Oni and Kayode Fayemi - all APC stalwarts. Chief Oni and Dr. Fayemi (Minister of Solid Minerals and Steel Development) are vying to return to power, and will join in the May 5 primaries of the party.

Counsel! Instead of criticizing, and denigrating their co-contestants, aspirants should tell the electorate what they have on the table for them post-July 14. Most importantly, they should remember that the APC has the

Ekiti PDP and the government it controls as their target. So, their eyes should always be on that ball!

The aspirants need to heed Dr. Fayemi’s entreaties. While urging the State Working Committee “to set out a code of ethics to regulate the conducts of every contestant,” he said: “It is absolutely unacceptable for aspirants to indulge in abuses, (and) use intemperate language against one another. If we do this, we will be damaging the brand the APC is known for.

“Each contestant should sell his brand to the party delegates, who will decide our fates. We should be ready to support whoever the party picks as the candidate, provided the process is free, fair and transparent... I will see whoever fights after the primary as a mole, who was sent to destroy our party.”

Certainly, you can’t get past that possibility, considering the number of aspirants, some, as if “sponsored,” are ready to go to the gutter to smear their competitors. But the antidote to implosion of the Ekiti APC is a free, fair and credible primary election, such as promised by the National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, during his visit to AdoEkiki, to flag-off a membership drive nationwide.

Addressing headlong the “rumours” that the hierarchy of the APC had “anointed” a candidate, Odigie-Oyegun said: “I want to assure you that in Ekiti State, we will have free, fair and credible primary. We will provide security at the primary. It will be an open event and will be covered and recorded on television from the beginning to the end.

“There will be proper identification of delegates to prevent impersonation. Anybody found impersonating will be handed over to the police. A formidable group of (APC) governors will be mobilized to superintend, guide and ensure that the election is totally

free and fair.”

Well, walking the talk of this avowal would eschew rancour and bad blood after the primaries, and encourage the contestants (including the candidate) to pool their resources: campaigns, finances, supporters and mobilization for the APC victory at the election. Deviate from this path and the actual “bye bye” would be to the APC! • Mr. Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria.

THE GROUP Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Ikeddy Isiguzo Editor Felix Oguejiofor Abugu Deputy Editor/Head, Lagos Bureau Sopuruchi Onwuka Abuja Bureau Chief Tony Ailemen Head, Graphics & Designs Nnamdi Alex Chukwu Business Manager Kelechi Nze Circulation Manager Felix Oti

The Oracle Today

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Wednesday May 2, 2018

NEWS Extra

Orumba leaders meet Osinbajo over erosion menace, others

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ICE President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has assured that the Federal Government ‘can and will easily’ upgrade the Oko Polytechnic in Oko, Anambra State, even as he promised to give increased attention to the menace of erosion ravaging parts of the state so as to stem further loss of lives and properties.

The Vice President gave the assurances when he received a 20-man delegation from Orumba led by Member representing the constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Ben

Nwankwo, Thursday, at the Aso Villa, Abuja.

The delegation also included eight traditional rulers from the constituency, staff of Nwankwo, as well as patriarch, Prof.

Laz Ekwueme, and Hon. Okonkwo Okom, of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

The meeting with the Vice President followed an earlier from the Office of Hon. Nwankwo, in January, this year, seeking an audience with Osinbajo so as to find a lasting solution ecological disaster that threatens the existence of Orumba

in Anambra State. The VP responded last March as a date was eventually fixed for the meeting.

“Federal Government can and will easily upgrade Oko Poly as you have requested just like it did for Kaduna Poly and the Yabatech in Lagos.

“Also, I want to assure of Government’s readiness to pay increased attention to the menace which is also widespread in Anambra state, so as to save lives and properties. This we will do through the appropriate departments,” said Osinbajo.

The Vice President thereafter eulogized Hon Ben Nwankwo by appreciating his conspicuous efforts in the Green Chambers, noting that the lawmaker ‘is the ideal legislator as the relationship between him and his constituency is rare amongst legislators.’

He further applauded the inclusion of his direct opposition party candidate of the APC Hon. Okonkwo Okom in the delegation, saying he has never seen it done among politicians in the country.

Osinbajo also expressed happiness with the synergy that is seen among the political and traditional leaders in Orumba.

Earlier, in his address, Nwankwo relayed the bitter experiences suffered at the hands of the erosion menace in the area, just as he expressed appreciation at efforts already deployed by both the state and federal government while advancing suggestions towards addressing the problem.

Nwankwo also used the plat-

form of the courtesy visit to plead with the Vice President upgrade the Oko Poly to a degree awarding institution.

Also remarking, Prof Laz Ekwueme appreciated the Presidency for efforts made towards the burial of his brother, the late Vice President Alex Ekwueme, just as he thanked Government for immortalizing his late brother with the naming of a university after him.

“However, we are not talking of renaming the Federal Polytechnic Oko after the late Vice President but upgrading it to degree awarding institution,” noted Prof Ekwueme.

While stressing on the erosion menace in Orumba and other parts of Anambra State, Prof Ekwueme exposed the severity of the problem, even as he suggested that international organizations should be brought in ‘to see if they can provide help, as the disaster has obviously surpassed what the State Government can contain.”

From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahi

been deserted as men, women and children have fled the area for their safety.

He traced the current skirmishes to an going grading of road being done by the Ibeto Group which sources claim the contractors discovered limestone in Isu. According to Kalu, the Utuma people have allegedly increased the tempo of its attacks on Isu clan since the discovery of lime stone in the area was made public.

He alleged that the Utuma people, in collaboration with others from Biase, abducted some Isu people and emissaries sent to go and appeal to them against disrupting the road grading project, as Isu people were ready to persuade the Ibeto Group to assist them (Utuma) if they so desire.

He said that in reaction, Isu people also abducted some Utuma people but explained that both sides released their captives following the intervention of the military.

“After that, they went and reinforced and launched an unprovoked attack with sophisticated weapons, killing and destroying houses. The casualties we have recorded in this attack are only on our own side. If the government fails to intervene immediately, our clan may be wiped out,” he said.

“We want the government to bring the National Boundary Commission to, as a matter of urgency, come and demarcate our boundary with Cross River State as the best permanent solution to constant clashes between us and the Cross River people,” Kalu said.

A source in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, currently the Acting Governor, confirmed that the incident has been brought to his attention.

“As at Saturday, the Special Assistant on Security Matters brought the information to the Deputy Governor who called his Cross River counterpart and they discussed about the issue.

Abia, Cross River border clash claims 10 lives

T • Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo with Member, Representing Orumba at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon Ben Nwankwo, who led a 20-man delegation from his constituency that also included eight traditional rulers and patriarch, Prof. Laz Ekwueme, as well as Hon. Okonkwo Okom of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), to the Vice President’s Office in Aso Villa, Abuja, Thursday.

Ibeku celebrates birthday with less-privileged From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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BIA State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief Charles Ogbonnaya, has lauded the state governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, for evolving policies that impact positively on the welfare of the less privileged in the state.

Speaking during his birthday celebration and presentation of his biography at the Okpara Auditorium last Sunday, Chief Ogbonnaya, popularly known as Evelogu Ibeku, made a case for the society to look upon the less privileged with greater care and attention to give them a sense of belonging.

The Commissioner who celebrated his birthday with inmates of three indigent homes: the School of the Blind, Afara Ukwu, St.Vincent De Paul, Ahiaeke and DMMM Motherless Babies Home, Ahiaeke, all in Umuahia, amidst attendance by the high and mighty in the society, promised to give proceeds from the book presentation to the homes for their upkeep.

He lauded Ikpeazu for his commitment to improving the welfare of the less privileged through his social investment policies, particularly the Abia

Social Inclusion Scheme domiciled in the office of the Executive Assistant to the Governor.

He also praised the wife of the governor, Deaconess Nkechi Ikpeazu, who through her pet project, the Vicar Hope Foundation, has built about 50 modern bungalows for indigent widows, aside other charitable works that have impacted on the lives of the less privileged positively.

The Evuleogu Ibeku argued that the less privileged were humans and desire the assistance of the wealthy and goodspirited people, adding that he decided to dedicate his 2018 birthday celebrations to the less privileged in appreciation of all that God has done for him in life.

“Today’s event is remarkable and different form other birthday celebrations where people celebrate with drinks and fanfare. My birthday celebration is solely aimed at giving back to humanity, having observed the hand of God in my life,” Chief Ogbonnaya said, adding that he rose from obscurity to prominence by the grace of God. The occasion which had former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, as chairman, was complemented with the public presentation of the book, “Un-

veiling the man…Chief Charles Obioha Ogbonnaya,” and was graced by influential Abia politicians, including Senator Theodore Orji.

HE people of Isu clan in Arochukwu local government area of Abia State have sent a distress call to the Abia State Government to come to their rescue as they risk being wiped out by their neighbours from Utuma in Biase local government area of Cross River State.

The Oracle Today gathered that a deadly border clash between the two communities broke out, penultimate Wednesday.

An aide to Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, Hon. Nicholas Igwe Kalu, told The Oracle Today in a telephone interview Monday that so far over 10 persons have been killed in the mayhem while several houses have been torched in Isu clan.

He said that the community has

Monarch urges men to embrace nursing profession

By UZO UGWUNZE, Ojoto

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he Igwe-elect of Ubogidi/ Ozarra autonomous community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, High Chief Ikechukwu Asadu, has called on the men folk to embrace the nursing profession as a career saying that it should not be left to women alone.

Speaking to news men at Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area during the Iyi-enu Mission Hospital’s 110th anniversary celebration, High Chief Asadu, an alumnus of the School of Nursing and Mid wifery at the hospital said he had no regrets being a trained nurse now based in United States, adding that he is well now accomplished and owns a facility with about 250 employees overseas.

He said that although he never wanted to be a nurse but a medical doctor but that when he passed his matriculation examination to study medicine he could not gain admission to the university of his choice due to his poor

mathematics, O level result.

However, Chief Asadu said that on the advice of his mother, he accepted to take to nursing.

He said that he was one of the best graduating nursing student during his academic set at Iyienu and had since realized it was God’s will for him not to be a medical doctor but a nurse which many men shy away from as a chosen profession.

“My schooling here as a nurse formed the foundation of my life and even that of my children. I always tell my children and others to count on God first and listen to their parents. My mum advised me to be here and I later discovered it was the will of God for me.

“Although I scored high in JAMB but I had deficiency in mathematic that was why I could not read medicine to become a doctor. Today I am one of the top 100 nurses. Try to discover the will of God for your life. Everything is about the will of God. Let my fellow men join the nursing profession if God wills”, said Chief Asadu.

The Oracle Today

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Wednesday May 2, 2018

AVIATION

ICAO backs AON’s position on multiple taxations Stories by VICTOR NZE

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HE International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has stated that excessive and discriminatory charges by aviation regulatory agencies in Nigeria, as well as other African countries were hindering the development of aviation on the continent.

ICAO, the global aviation monitoring and regulatory body, made this known at the just-concluded 59th Airports Council International (ACI) Africa Conference in Lagos, Tuesday.

ICAO’s position incidentally mirrors the views long held by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) which had consistently called for a review or at least harmonization of the various charges on its operations by all the agencies in the aviation sector.

AON has also pointed out that the unfavourable playing field in the industry occasioned by multiple taxation regime informed its position on the Federal Government not commence implementation of the controversial Africa Open Skies agreement, also called the the Single Africa Air Transportation Market (SAATM).

The recent ICAO declaration was made at the conference which ran from April 14 to 20, was organised by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), under the theme; “Business Transformation for Sustainable Development of African Airports.’’

Regional Director, ICAO, West and Central Africa, Mr Mam Jallow, said the aviation body was responsible for setting standards and recommended practices for international civil aviation throughout the world.

Jallow said ICAO had principles concerning taxes and charges in aviation derived from the Chicago Convention of 1954, but these were unfortunately not being complied

with by some African governments.

“Taxes are levies imposed on aviation to increase government revenue. They are not necessarily related to aviation and they are not cost based. In terms of charges, we talk about charges levied by airports or aviation service providers for the purpose of recovering the cost of providing their facilities and services.

“The principles are that when these charges are established, they should be non-discriminatory. They should be transparent, cost-related and in consultations with users represented by different bodies,” he said.

According to him, the Single Africa Air Transportation Market (SAATM) inaugurated by Heads of States of the African Union in January will not yield the desired benefits unless deliberate effort is made to reduce the charges.

“SAATM is meant to liberalise the sector, but it has been found that if the cost of travel is not reduced, the continent might not benefit from such liberalisation of its airspace.

So, they are now looking at ways to reduce charges so that passengers can afford to travel around the continent easily,’’ he said.

Also speaking, Mr Sidy Gueye, Regional Director, Africa – Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security (APCS), International Air Transport Association (IATA), noted that high taxation and charges were impacting negatively on the development of the airports.

Gueye said the solution was for the authorities and the host airports to comply with the ICAO rules and principles in taxes and charges.

“Airports and airlines should work together in sensitising the authorities to ensure cost-related charges.

In doing so, we are going to work with ACI to see how we can achieve this. The first area in this line of action is for the airports to find ways of improving their non-aeronautical

• Minister of State (Aviation); Sen. Hadi Sirika; Managing Director FAAN Engr. Saleh Dunoma; ICAO - International Civil Aviation Organization Council President, Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu; ACI World Director General, Angela Gittens and other aviation agency officials, at the 59th Airports Council International (ACI) Africa Conference in Lagos.

revenues,” he said.

Gueye said the SAATM would enable more travellers to move across Africa, adding that this development of transportation would also help airports to generate more revenues.

He, therefore, urged African governments to set up the enabling environment and legislation to attract investments to the sector.

According to him, this will help in addressing the challenges of upgrading their infrastructure, adding much needed capacity to cope with traffic growth and improving their service quality to the passengers.

Similarly, it would be recalled that, last May, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onye-

He noted that the airline had to create a flight from Owerri to Abuja as a result of the overwhelming calls from its guests, who had enjoyed its uninterrupted schedule and on-time departures from Lagos to Owerri and assured guests of the airline’s commitment towards providing a reliable and affordable service across its route network.

He advised the airline’s customers to visit its website www.flydanaair.com or any of its sales outlets at Imo Condorde Hotel in Owerri,

Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Silverbird Galleria in Lagos and all other airport sales desk for fares as low as 18,000 one way and 45,000 business class tickets.

Dana Air, after a thorough audit conducted by the Imo state government in 2017, was selected for an airline partnership as part of the Government’s commitment towards providing career and job opportunities for indigenes of the state, and affordable fares to boost leisure and business travel to and around the state.

ma, while speaking with aviation correspondents decried the harsh environment airlines in the country are forced to operate in.

“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.

“Apart from the expensive aviation fuel, there is also the issue of multiple taxations. 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.

“These taxes have been there even before Hadi Sirika (the Minister of State for Aviation) left high school. 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. Let 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 taxa-

M

project, only N10 billion was approved for the project in 2017, while N8.3 billion was earmarked for the project in 2018 budget.

The minister further said the budget provisions for the project in 2017 and 2018 budget would cause delay in the completion of the project even as the design of the runway had been done an assessment of the site carried out.

“The estimated amount for the Abuja second runway is N67 billion but it may be lesser or higher in the end but only N10 billion was ap-

proved in 2017 budget.

“In 2018 budget, only N8.3 billion is being proposed for the runway project; by this budget provision, the project will take many years to complete.

“Now that is the collective resolve of this parliament and Nigerians as well as aviators, I think there is need to look at it,’’ he said.

Sirika commended the house for their support for the nation’s aviation sector and pledged to continue to work with the relevant committees to move the sector forward.

Dana Air commences Owerri-Abuja operations, May 1

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s part of its strategic route expansion drive across Nigeria, Dana Air has announced plans to introduce Owerri- Abuja –Owerri flights on May 1.

“We are greatly delighted to introduce an additional flight on our Owerri route, connecting Owerri to Abuja and back. This is part of our commitment towards providing dependable options for the good people of Imo state and ensuring seamless travel for business and leisure travelers,” said Kingsley Ezenwa, Dana Air’s Media and Communications Manager.

Speaking further, Kingsley said, the airline which currently operates over 27 daily flights from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo, and Owerri, will operate flights from the Sam Mbakwe International Airport, Owerri to Abuja and back on Mondays to Fridays and Sundays. ‘’From May 1, 2018, we will operate one flight from Owerri to Abuja on Mondays to Fridays at 12.33pm and Abuja to Owerri at 2.16pm. On Sundays, Owerri to Abuja flights will be at 5.31pm and Abuja to Owerri at 12.06pm.’’

Second NAIA runway to gulp N67bn – Sirika

inister of State, Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, says the construction of the second runway for the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja will gulp N67 billion Sirika made the disclosure at the ministry’s 2018 budget defence before the Joint House of Representatives Committees on Land Transport, Maritime Safety and Administration, Ports Harbour and Water-Ways and Aviation, Thursday in Abuja.

He said although N67 billion had been estimated to complete the

tion is part of it. Government should take into consideration so many things,” said Onyema.

Rising from a one-day sensitization workshop on SAATM which took place at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Annex under the theme: ‘Implementation of SAATM: Its impact on the Nigerian Aviation Industry and National Economy,’ in February, this year, Chairman, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Captain Noggie Meggison berated the Federal Government over its decision to implement the agreement despite the reality of the poor operating environment in the country.

“Nigerian airlines are subjected to multiple charges, taxes, levies and fees. On the average, we pay about 37 different charges that come under the guise of statutory levies and taxes to sustain a staff strength of about 18,000 staff of the various government agencies compared to most African carriers who pay a fraction in their countries to support a staff strength of less than 500.

“The charges around Africa are not uniform across board. Government should ensure all the taxes are uniform before the implementation of the Open skies. For instance, when we fly to some African countries they charge us heavy landing fees in excess of $5000 – $6000. The same countries subsidize their local operators who pay $200 for the same service. But when they fly into Nigeria they pay a mere $500, the same as our local carriers.

“Airlines in Nigeria pay high prices for JetA1 due to high taxes compared to some other countries where VAT and taxes in JetA1 have been abolished to their local carriers and some of them have local production of subsidised fuel”.

“57 percent of the 54 nations in Africa are yet to sign the open skies deal. Only 23 countries have committed themselves to open skies. The question therefore is why is Nigeria in a hurry to sign the Treaty when we are yet to put our domestic aviation industry in order first and empower our Nigerian carriers to compete effectively,?” Meggison asked.

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Wednesday May 2, 2018

INSURANCE & PENSION

FBNInsurance grosses N3.51b premium in 2017 Stories by VICTOR NZE

F

BN General Insurance has said its Profit Before Tax (PBT) rose 66 per cent at the close of the financial year ended December 2017.

According to the firm, the PBT rose to N322 million, representing a year-on-year growth rate of 66 per cent.

The firm noted that the profitable growth was partly driven by improved asset and investment portfolio management resulting in an investment income growth of 112 per cent.

The insurer further said the company’s gross premium stood at N3.51 billion in 2017.

According to the firm, the account which has been approved

by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) revealed a 60 per cent growth in premium, moving from N2.2 billion in 2016 to N3.51 billion, while claims expenses also rose by 180 per cent from N270 million to N756 million.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Bode Opadokun, said: “2017 was the year we consolidated on the strategic restructuring across key business functions. This has inspired a profitable performance exemplified by our total assets recording an appreciable growth of 27% at yearend from NGN6.06bn achieved in 2016 to NGN7.72 billion in 2017.

With our strategic marketing drive and the support of our dedicated staff, we are hopeful of sustaining our growth in 2018.”

NUP to sue Osun Govt. over pension law violation

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IGERIAN Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ogun Council, said it would institute a legal action against the State Government over its alleged violation of the Pension Laws.

The state Chairman of the union, Mr Olujimi Odukoya, who made this known at news conference in Abeokuta, Tuesday, said that the union would institute the legal action to seek redress of the alleged injustice meted to the retirees.

He alleged that Gov. Ibikunle Amosun had unconstitutionally scrapped the Bureau of Local Government Pensions and it activities were taken over by the office of the state Accountant-General.

The chairman also claimed that the state government had contravened the guidelines of defined gratuity payment and introduced another guideline based only on basic salary, rent and transportation.

According to him, government had failed to comply with the constitutional provision on review of

pension alongside the civil service salary every five years.

Odukoya said that the contravention of the pension laws had led to poor pension management in the state and left pensioners in the state in sorry state.

“Retired primary school teachers have continued to clamour for the review of their pensions from 1991 to 2010 while their gratuities had remained unpaid from 2011 to date.

“Like the retired primary school teachers, the gratuities of state pensioners were paid up to June, 2013 only. The union had been rejecting these violations of the pension laws but the state government had gone ahead with its illegal act,’’ he said.

The chairman said that the retirees would also embark on strike to register their displeasure.

“Many people may wonder if it is possible for pensioners to embark on strike, but we shall let them know that we have our own way of embarking on strike.’’

strategic partnership has been entered into between Heritage Bank Plc and the Choice International Group (CIG) Motors Limited to introduce a new vehicle finance scheme aimed at assisting interested and pre-qualified customers to buy brand new GAC vehicles with ease and at affordable prices.

The initiative is tagged ‘Go CARrazy’ and was facilitated by the sole representative of GAC Motors in Nigeria known as CIG, which enables individuals who meet the prescribed conditions to pay an equity contribution of 10 percent with 48 months tenor repayment.

The scheme is largely for three models of cars and sport utility vehicles in the stable of GAC Motors: GS3, GS4 and GS8.

Speaking on the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MD/ CEO of Heritage Bank, Mr Ifie Sekibo, said the auto finance scheme was tailored to suit customers’

needs with manageable monthly repayments and is best suited for individuals, organizations, corporate bodies and institutions to avail a convenient and easy access to finance options making it easier to buy and drive away a brand new GAC Motors.

According to him, the partnership was planned to encourage customers to buy environmentally-friendly GAC vehicles instead of used cars otherwise known as “tokunbo.”

Sekibo specifically explained that the reason for the alliance was to afford deserving customers with the ease of convenient and discounted opportunities with just 10 percent equity contribution, as against the 30 percent standard equity contribution required to own brand new GAC vehicles.

He listed other benefits of the vehicle finance scheme, which involve competitive interest rate, discounted vehicle pricing, subsidized insurance premium, free vehicle registration.

Heritage Bank, GAC Motors unveil new vehicle finance scheme A

• From left: Director-General of Debt Management Office (DMO), Patience Oniha; Managing Director of Fitch Ratings Agency, Edward Parker; and Fitch Ratings Senior Director andHead of Emerging Europe Sovereign and Supranational Group, Paul Gamble, during a meeting between Nigeria and officials of Fitch Ratings, at the World Bank Headquarters, Washington D.C.

Stakeholders bicker over ‘compulsory’ Lagos Health Insurance Scheme O PINIONS have continued to differ on the plan by the Lagos State Government to make its Health Insurance Scheme both compulsory and mandatory for all residents.

While stakeholders in the Lagos State health sector, Friday, posited that the proposed state law on a mandatory Health Insurance Scheme should not be made compulsory but optional, others have instead lauded the state government for the initiative.

The stakeholders made the suggestion at a Stakeholders’ Meeting on “A Bill for a Law to Amend the Lagos State Health Scheme, 2015’’, held at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium, Assembly Complex, Lagos.

The public hearing was organised by the Lagos State House of Assembly Ad hoc Committee on Health Services, led by Mr Segun Olulade.

According to the stakeholders, Section 6 of the amendment, which stipulates that “the scheme shall be compulsory and applicable to all residents of the state’’, is counterproductive.

The section also states that all residents in the formal or informal sector must provide evidence of being covered by the scheme or an existing scheme.

The stakeholders said that some residents of the state were covered by one health insurance scheme or the other, adding that the amendment would lead to multiple taxations.

The existing terms state that the scheme shall be compulsory and applies to all residents of the states that are not covered by any existing health scheme.

Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Lagos State, Mr Francis Ogunremi, said, “Some residents

in both formal and informal sectors are already enrolled in a health scheme. So, making the scheme compulsory will not work.’’

Ogunremi said that a representative of TUC should be a member of the board of the scheme, just as a member of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was included.

He called on the assembly to look into and harmonise issues raised at the meeting to avoid confusion.

Also, Mr Thompson Akpabio of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), said: “I urge that we maintain the status quo and not make the scheme compulsory.

“The extant provision should not be amended; this scheme should be only for those not covered under any existing scheme,’’ he said.

Akpabio, who also spoke on Section 2 of the amendment, said that the extent of the supervisory role of the state Ministry of Health on the board was not clear and suggested oversight role instead of supervision, to avoid clashes.

Dr Sylvester Akande from the USAID, who spoke on Sections 2 and 6 of the amendment, said that the relationship between the board and the Ministry of Health should be well spelt out.

Another stakeholder, Mr Obinna Okechukwu, also said that the scheme should not be made compulsory for every resident but for only those who had not been covered under any scheme.

“If the scope is not limited, it can lead to double taxation. It will not be reasonable to say that those who are already on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) should also buy into the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme,’’ Okechukwu said.

An official from the Office of the

state Head of Service, Mr Basiru Braimoh, said that the chairman of the board should only be involved with policy issues, being the Chief Executive Officer.

According to Braimoh, the General Manager will be the Chief Operations Officer who sees to the day-to-day activities of the scheme.

Earlier in his keynote address, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, said that the state could not leave the health services to chance.

This he said called for the amendment of the State Health Scheme, 2015.

“Health is wealth and the state government is poised to improve the health of its residents; the Nigerian Constitution puts insurance on exclusive legislative list.

But, the Lagos State Government has devised means by which it can improve the health of its citizens because it does not want to leave health to chance.

“The amendment is to bring standard health services to a good number of Lagos residents,’’ he said.

On the sections 2 and 6, the speaker said that the House would look at the strength of the submissions and factor them into the final bill.

On the Bill, Mr Sanai Agunbiade, the Majority Leader of the House, said that the Assembly was proposing an amendment to only six sections of state’s Health Insurance scheme, which he said had 64 sections.

Agunbiade, said that the sections to be amended include; 2, 4(2a and i), 6 (3 and 4), 23 (2a), 23 (4b) and 27(2d) of the Principal Law, to make it complant to the trend in health insurance schemes.

The Oracle Today

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Wednesday May 2, 2018

NEWS Extra

Suspected cultists kill police informant in A/Ibom INI BILLIE, Uyo

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UNMEN suspected to be cult members, have killed a 65-year old police informant, Raphael Udofia, who resided at 81 Ikpa Road, Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The deceased was said to have been shot and his head chopped off, leaving the police to recover his mangled body.

A family source told our correspondent that Udofia had spent over 18 years in prison for killing his father, before returning to take up the vigilante job in the area.

Another police informant identified as Dan Mark, was said to have been fatally shot and left with the gunmen thinking that he was dead.

According one Effiong Akpan, a local vigilante, “Mark is currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital after the attack.

“He used his hands to try to

block the bullets, but the bullets shattered the hands. He immediately fell down and feigned death in the pool of his blood. The criminals left him thinking he was dead.”

Mark ruled out the case of armed robbery, adding that the hoodlums numbering about 15,

who attacked the two informants on Sunday, “Never stole any property or cash from the victims.” He posited that the incident was a clear case of assassination case.

He said, “After the attack, they only stole laptops and phones from some students of the Uni-

versity of Uyo, and escaped the scene after the attack.”

The matter, it was learnt was being investigated by the ‘A’ Divisional Police Station along the Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Odiko Ogbeche, said the case had yet to

be transferred to the state Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia for further investigation.

He assured that all the suspects will be arrested, appealing to the local residents to cooperate in the investigation by volunteering information about criminal elements in their neighbourhoods.

Buhari condemns killing of Benue priests

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resident Muhammadu Buhari has condemned killing of worshippers and priests at a church in UkporMbalom community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue, and vowed to apprehend those behind the ungodly act.

The President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina in Abuja Tuesday, described the killings as “vile and satanic’’.

Buhari condoled with the government and people of Benue, Mbalom community, the Bishop, priests and members of the St Ignatius’ Catholic Church in the state.

“I extend my sincere condolences to the government and people of Benue State, the Mbalom community, and especially the Bishop, priests and members of the St Ignatius’ Catholic Church, whose premises was the unfortunate venue of the heinous killings by gunmen.

“This latest assault on innocent persons is particularly despicable. Violating a place of worship, killing priests and worshippers is not only vile, evil and satanic, it is clearly calculated to stoke up religious conflict and plunge our communities into endless bloodletting.’’

Buhari maintained that the country would not bow to the machinations of evildoers, and vowed that the assailants would be hunted down and made to pay for the sacrilege committed.

It would be recalled that gunmen on Tuesday morning attacked Ayar Mbalom village in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue, killing 19 persons and burning down over 35 houses.

• Wife of the Governor of Lagos State & Founder, Hope for Women in Nigeria Initiative (HOFOWEM), Mrs. Bolanle Ambode; scholarship awardees, Miss Oladunni Akisanmi; and Master Agwu Victory James, during the presentation of letters to the beneficiaries of the 2017/2018 scholarship awards, at the HOFOWEM Office, Oregun, Ikeja.

Enugu Govt releases N1bn to ESUT for salary arrears

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HE Enugu State Government has released over N1 billion to Enugu State University of Science and Technology for payment of all outstanding emolument to staff.

Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Luke Anike, made this known when members of the state’s House of Assembly Committee on Education paid a quarterly oversight visit to the institution in Enugu on Tuesday.

Anike said that a committee had been set up to work out the sharing formula for the payment to

ensure that everybody got his or her full share in the fund.

He explained that the institution had no cause to go on strike as all arrears had been released, adding that the arrears covered academic and non-academic staff.

The vice chancellor said that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) was constructing post-graduate buildings in the Faculty of Management Science, Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences and Faculty of Engineering.

He said that TETFUND was also constructing the Central Science

Laboratory and Information Technology Centre in the institution, adding that the projects were at 90 per cent completion.

He disclosed that the university had continued to receive its monthly subvention of N108 million from the state government.

Chairman of the committee, Mr Mathew Ugwueze, commended the management of the institution for the sanity prevailing in the school.

Ugwueze expressed satisfaction with the development in the institution, and called for closer supervision of ongoing projects.

FG to train indigent Ogonis on agro-business

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oordinator of Hydrocarbon Pollution and Remediation Project (HYPREP), Dr Marvin Dekil, says the Federal Government is to train indigent Ogoni women and youths on agro-business.

Dekil made the disclosure, Tuesday on the sidelines of a medical outreach held by HYPREP for indigent Ogonis in Ogale, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers.

According to Dekil, the training exercise will be anchored and certified by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

“The Livelihood Restoration Programme (training) is a key recommendation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report on restoration of livelihoods of communities affected by hydrocarbon pollution.

“We want to have world class training that would be certified

by UNITAR. We are looking at a situation whereby the certification is valid in Nigeria and the world all over,’’ he said.

Dekil also said that HYPREP had inspected Songhai Farm in Tai Local Government Area and other agricultural facilities to serve as training ground for the exercise.

“The training is going to be under the framework of UNITAR. It will mainly be agrobased while we are also diversifying into other aspects.

“Recently, the ambassadors of Norway and United States visited and we spoke at length about livelihood restoration.

So, we are in active communication with the international community,” he said.

Dekil said the exercise would commence in August in the four

local government areas that make up Ogoniland.

He debunked claims that ongoing collation of data for disease trend in the area was politically motivated, saying that the exercise was part of recommendations of the UNEP Report.

Earlier, the Paramount Ruler of Ogale community in Eleme, Godwin Okpabi, expressed delight over the health outreach programme in the area.

Okpabi, who is a member of the cleanup Board of Trustees, said the current administration had shown commitment to the remediation of hydrocarbon impacted communities in Ogoniland. “I assure critics of the Federal Government that they will begin to see action now.

People should be patient as the cleanup would soon commence,” he said.

Capable hands to sack Buhari abound, says PDP chieftain

By CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

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he Anambra State chairman of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP), Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu said there are a lot of capable and able quality presidential materials warming up to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari.

Besides political party affiliation, we have former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; exgov Sule Lamido, Senator Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso, Gov Dankwambo.

These are young, strong and able politicians who have broad views and minds about contemporary national and international issues.

They are all warming up and have their areas of strengths and weaknesses to excel and take this nation to the next level.

On why he thinks the APC is presenting Buhari for reelection, in the face of his scandalous abysmal performance; Nwobu pointed out that APC is party that thrives on deception. That they all know and believe Buhari is their strongest candidate.

Those pushing him only wanted to duck behind him to win reelection even when they know he will flop in the presidential poll. APC lacks what it takes .They know that if they dump him they would all lose woefully and also lose the use of the instrumentality of his office. APC members are Nigerians, only they do not believe in being true to themselves.

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Wednesday May 2, 2018

Equity & Capital Market SEC kicks as number of delisted companies rise

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he Capital Market Committee of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has expressed displeasure over the rate of which companies are delisting from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The committee which comprises all stakeholders in Nigerian capital market revealed this during their quarterly meeting held in Lagos.

Addressing journalist at the end of the meeting, acting Director General of the commission, Ms Mary Uduk, said that some companies had complained of tax issues, noting that the commission would engage the government to address the issue at the completion of the committee’s mandate.

She said that, the action posed a threat to the growth and development of the market in view of the fact that quite a number of companies are highly capitalized companies.

According to her, the commission had mandated committee to come up with strategies aimed at tackling delisting and ways to boost listing of more multinationals.

Also at the meeting, the committee noted that multiple subscriptions and forbearance for shareholders with multiple accounts, the forbearance window has been extended to September 2018.

Registrars have acknowledged that investors have started coming forward but there are challenges in the process. The CMC deliberated and recommended the appropriate Technical Committee to seek input and come up with recommendations to address the challenges. Therefore, we encourage all affected investors to come forward and take advantage of the window before the new deadline.

The NSE had recently desists N878.3 million of African Paints, Afrik Pharmaceuticals from its daily official list.

The exchange said in a notice to stockbrokers that, the decision was based on Rule 13.25(b) and Clause 15 of the General Undertaking, Appendix III of the Rule Book (of) the Nigerian Stock Exchange 2015, by Part II, Issuers’ Rules.

The NSE said ahead of the decision, its management engaged both “companies with a view of returning them to compliance level,” but that these efforts did not yield results.

Thereafter, the NSE said both companies were notified of the intention to delist them from the daily official list for non-compliance with provisions of the Post Listing Rules on April 11, and via two newspaper publications on April 20, 2017.

Among the companies delisted from the bourse recently were, Seven Up Bottling Company and Nigerian Bottling Company.

Shareholders laud MTN’s effort on public offer

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OME shareholders have commended the telecommunication giant, MTN over its decision to appoint some banks and brokers to help the listing process.

Shareholders who spoke with The Oracle Today believed that the decision of telco company would boost investors confidence in its share selling.

In his view, Chairman, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mr. Boniface Okezie described appointment made

by MTN as confidence booster.

Okezie stated that, the appointment is a sign of readiness for MTN listing on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

He envisaged oversubscription in awaiting Initial Public Offer (IPO) of MTN eagerness of shareholders to have MTN share in their portfolios.

In his own, National President, Constance Shareholders’ Association of Nigeria, Shehu Mikail said the appointment excited him described it as a sign of readiness to raise the offer.

He stated that, MTN share is one of the few shares every shareholders will like to have due to the company’s track records.

“Since inception of MTN in Nigeria, it has been playing a leading role in the sector it operate.

Many shareholders want the share based on its track record.

The appointment make prove to us that the plan is real.”

He believed that, when the firm listed on the local bourse, it will be rewarding shareholders handsomely.

MTN Group had last Friday announced the commencement of the offer by appointing some banks and brokers to help the process of listing on the Nigerian bourse.

The telecommunication giant appointed Nigerian investment firm Chapel Hill Denham as lead

issuing house for the initial public offering of its Nigerian business later this year.

South Africa’s Rand Merchant Bank, Renaissance Capital and Vetiva Capital were picked as joint issuers. The telecoms firm

also appointed seven placement agents that would help market the offering.

According to reports, MTN intends to raise $400 million from the IPO of its Nigerian unit. An IPO is the first time a company

• Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah opened the Market at the London Stock Exchange Group today. UK Minister of State for Trade Policy Greg Hands, CFO London Stock Exchange, David Warren, and other senior business leaders were present.

Suspended SEC DG faults House of Rep. decision to accept his suspension

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he suspended Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Munir Gwarzo has expressed dissatisfaction over the decision of the House of Representatives to ratify his suspension by the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun.

Gwarzo revealed this in response to the confirmation by the House of Representatives to his suspension by the finance minister.

The House had at its sitting on the 18th of April 2018 while adopting the report of its committee on Capital Market and Institutions headed by Rep. Tajudeen Ayo Yusuf, said that, Gwarzo indeed has a case to answer

and that the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun was right to have suspended him, therefore stated that “the suspension of the Director General of SEC, Mounir Gwarzo stands”.

The House noted that the suspension followed public service rules.

Gwarzo however insisted that Finance Minister lacked the authority to suspend him as the power lies solely in the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria based on her recommendation and upon the confirmation from the Senate as clearly captured in S5 (1) ISA 2007.

He argued that the Public Service Rules (PSR) [PSR 03405 and PSR 03406] upon which he was

NSE: Market indices up by 0.10%

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ransactions on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Tuesday rose marginally with indices increasing by 0.10 per cent.

Market capitalisation rose by N14 billion or 0.10 per cent to close at N14.738 trillion against N14.724 trillion on Monday.

Also, the All-Share Index which opened at 40,763.93 rose to 38.85 points or 0.10 per cent to close at 40,802.78 following Nestle gain.

An analysis of the price movement table showed that Nestle led the gainers’ table with N71.10 to close at N1, 493.60 per share.

Forte Oil followed with a gain of N4 to close at N43.30, while Zenith International Bank added 70k to close at N27.90 per share.

Dangote Sugar increased by 45k to close at N21, while Dangote Flour grew by 35k to close at N13.70 per share.

Conversely, Nigerian Breweries topped the losers’ chart with a loss

sells its shares to the public on a stock exchange.

MTN agreed to the listing in June 2016 as part of a $1 billion fine for missing a deadline to disconnect unregistered subscribers in the country.

of N4.70 to close at N125 per share.

Conoil trailed with a loss of N1.65 to close at N31.80, while Julius Berger declined by N1.35 to close at N25.65 per share.

GlaxosmithKine depreciated

by N1.20 to close at N23.30, while Stanbic IBTC shed N1.10 to close at N48.90 per share. Transcorp drove the activity chart with an exchange of 35.38 million shares worth N66.22 million.

Zenith Bank followed with an account of 24.57 million shares valued at N682.21 million, while Caverton traded 19.39 million worth N52.35 million.

FBN Holdings exchanged 19.39 million shares valued at N259.29 million, while Guaranty Trust Bank sold 18.52 million shares worth N805.26 million. In all, the volume of shares traded closed lower with a total of 246.58 million shares valued at N3.22 billion transacted in 4,918 deals.

This was in contrast with 530.22 million shares worth N7.77 billion traded by investors in 4,567 deals on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Naira on Tuesday appreciated to N360 to the dollar at the investors’ window, after depreciating for five consecutive days.

The Nigerian currency gained 54kobo to exchange at N360, stronger than N360.54 traded on Monday, while it was sold at N305.7 to the dollar at the CBN window.

Trading at the Bureau De Change (BDC) window saw the Naira close at N362 to the dollar while the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N510 and N445, respectively.

The Naira exchanged at N362 to the dollar at the parallel market, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N510 and N445, respectively. Traders at the market expressed confidence in the ability of the CBN to maintain the stability of the Naira at the foreign exchange market.

suspended do not exist in Nigeria’s Public Service Rules.

According to him, PSR 030405 merely provides for the responsibility of an indicted officer or officer under suspension to make notification of his intention to leave his station or the country.

While PSR 030406 requires a prima facie case to be established against an officer before he could be suspended which in this case it has not been established.

While appearing before the House Committee on Capital Market, the suspended DG noted that his suspension was as a result of his refusal to halt the forensic audit into the affairs of Oando Plc, a claim which the Minister denied.

If there is any arm of government that should be unhappy about the way and manner I was suspended, it should be the legislature as the Minister of Finance acted against the provisions of ISA 2007 which is an Act of the National Assembly, he stated.

The Minister, in her testimony, said her action was based on the need to protect sanctity in the capital market and maintain investors confidence.

She revealed that documents obtained from the Corporate Affairs Commission states that Gwarzo was a director in two private companies, which was a violation of the Civil Service Act. This she noted is also a breach of the Investment and Securities Act. Mr. Gwarzo was suspended by the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, for alleged corrupt acts, but he denies the claims, and says he was punished after refusing Adeosun’s directive to suspend audit into oil firm, Oando.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2018

Crime Stories by XAVIER NDAH

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he rampant cases of incestuous acts where fathers find pleasure in having sexual intercourse with their children has become worrisome to the police just as it has called family members to show concern over the wellbeing and protection of their girl child amongst them Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Edgal Imohimi following the recent case of a 50- year-old father alleged to have subjected her 21year- old daughter to a sex machine leading to pregnancy while another 29, year old man is now in police net for defiling a 13- year -old girl.

Edgal, said the girl child is vulnerable specie which should be protected and it is the duty of parents, relatives, and neighbours so that when there is anything awkward the people around should say something.

“Incest is a crime in Africa, in Nigeria we frown at it, it is even a crime against humanity, the society frowns at it so parents should be conscious on what is happening around their children” Edgal stated.

Edgal, disclosed that a case of incest was reported at the Igando police station by members of the public and the gender section of the police had called up the case where a 50-year-old Taiwo Oyelabi of 15,community road Obadore, Iyana-Oba, Igando Lagos after a discreet investigations was found to have been having canal knowledge of her 21 -year- old daughter Taiwo Nibila Oyelabi.

Edgal said the suspect had divorced his wife when girl Taiwo Nibila Oyelabi and her twin sister were still in their infancy.

HE said as a result the twin were taken to the suspect’s (father) younger sister .

“However, sometimes in November 2017,the suspect took the now grown Taiwo from his sister and brought her home to live with him in his house and since then the father has been having inappropriate sexual liaison with his daughter. The survivor. The result of this unholy alliance between father and daughter was pregnancy”.

“Investigations into the case reveal that the suspect is a security man but the strange part of his work was that whenever he was going to work, he goes with his daughter. This strange behavior attracted

• SP Okonkwo receiving the award at the event

Men on sex spree

…as father impregnates daughter, another defiles girl 13

•Ogunrinola (defilement)

•Oyelabi (impregnates daughter)

the attention of the community the case to the police ’Edgal explained.

In his interaction with The Oracle Today the suspect said the daughter demanded to stay with him so she can start a trade either fashion design or hair dressing of which he obliged.

“One day she came to kiss me and I slapped her twice to stop the act and I told her that it was abomination. Two weeks later I was sleeping when I heard her romancing me and I could not resist it any longer and we had sex. I had sex with her five times. I am not the owner of the baby because she confided on me that one Daudu her boyfriend is the one responsible for the pregnancy. She was still with me because the husband had no house for them to live, I am so ashamed of myself, I feel like committing suicide, see what this girl has caused me. I am sorry and I beg everyone for forgiveness” he pleads.

In another development Police in Ogun state have arrested a 29-yearold man Soji Ogunrinola a.k.a bulldozer for defiling a 13 –yr- old girl name withheld.

His arrest followed a complaint by one Monsuru Badmus of ogiri ojule village in odeda local government area of the state who is the step father of the victim. He reported at Odeda police station that the suspect forcefully had carnal knowledge of the girl who came for holiday in the village.

The complainant stated further that the suspect threatened to kill the little girl if she ever tell anybody of her predicament, but the mother of the girl noticed blood stains on her clothes which made her to question her daughter on what she noticed.

The victim explained the whole thing to her mother and the threat of the suspect on her life. The mother who knows the suspect to be a thug in the village alerted her hus-

band and the man quickly reported to the police.

Upon the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Odeda Division Chief Superintendent of Police (DPO) Muhammad Baba Suleiman led detectives to the scene where the suspect was promptly arrested.

On interrogation, he confessed to the commission of the crime while the victim was taken to Federal medical center Abeokuta for medical examination.

Meanwhile, the commissioner of police, CP, Ahmed Iliyasu has ordered the case be transferred to anti human trafficking and child labour unit of the state criminal investigation and intelligence department for proper investigation and prosecution of the suspect. The CP therefore appealed to parents to be mindful of their children welfare most especially as they are just resuming to school in order to secure them from this type of animal in human skin.

T

on freely while observing that some people find it hard to cooperate with traffic management officers.

“That is why we invited the key players in that sector like the Police State Traffic Office Unit (MOTORPOL) Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA),Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) ,amongst others to talk to the people by this we intend to curb traffic congestion through the traffic control day in Lagos state.

“Traffic Control Day has never been observed anywhere in the world. The day is crucial to The Feeders Foundation. It is the day the organization became fully registered. The founder received the news while partnering with the police to control traffic and that was where the idea came from.

We intend to achieve a better society endowed with law abiding citizens who are ready to sacrifice for progress”. Olusegun explained.

Addressing the crowd who filled the Agege township stadium to capacity SP Okonkwo charged the people to be law abiding stating that if we all obey simple traffic rules and follow

instructions from the traffic officers on our roads the billions of naira the state lost yearly would have been averted.

“We know a lot of road construction is ongoing in the state and our roads will be free when completed so please for the time being let’s be orderly.

“As we all know, Lagos has become a sprawling megacity; as with all megacities across the world, Lagos is characterized by rapidly growing urbanization and its attendant increase in population.

“Therefore, this has become a key component of the challenges posed by an ever increasing population in search of greener pastures as has been the case with Lagos.

“Lagos is the nerve-center of Nigeria’s socio-economic and industrial activities. In any society, the challenge of rapid urbanisation and population explosion places enormous responsibility on the government and the citizens alike.

“It should, therefore, be expected that effective and efficient traffic sys-

Anambra police command trains officers on human rights

I

n compliance with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris to improve policing across the federation, a total number of 145 officers and men largely made up of operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) at the Anambra State Command have been trained on human rights and community policing.

The three-day intensive training which was jointly organised by the Anambra State Police Command and the Crime Victims Foundation of Nigeria (CRIVIFON) took place recently at the event hall of TrigPoint Hotel, Awka. It covered such topics as “Why human right training is important to Nigeria Police, How the community can help the Nigeria Police with intelligence and information sharing for better security, investigation and case file management and so on.”

At the commencement of the training, the State Commissioner of Police, Garuba Umar who was represented by his Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration, Christopher Owolabiremarked that the training had come at an auspicious time and urged the officers and men to imbibe the much they could, from resources persons in other to improve their service performance. He cautioned his men not to take the training for granted as enormous resources had been committed to it.

The Executive Director of CRIVIFON, Barrister (Mrs) Gloria Egbuji who spoke on “Why human rights training is important for the police” reminded the participants that as law enforcement officers, they held enormous powers which must be used discreetly. She stressed that democracy would be bastardised if human rights were not appropriately upheld.

The CRIVIFON boss called on the police authorities to include the study of human rights in the curriculum of the Nigeria Police Academy and Police Colleges in the country in other to make them more humane in their activities.

Lagos traffic officer honoured he State Traffic Officer (STO) Lagos, Superintendent of Police, SP, Margaret Okonkwo has bagged an award of recognition for her role in traffic control and management in the state.

Okonkwo was recognized at the maiden edition marking the Traffic Control Day in Lagos at the Agege Stadium organized by the Feeders Foundation during the week..

According to the Founder and facilitator of The Feeders Foundation Hunsu Olusegun,” the idea of traffic control day is an innovative concept that seeks to bring awareness of the effects of traffic gridlock on the economy and health of the people. For this reason we also want to appreciate the traffic control agencies in the state for the role they play and we implore them to do more for a free flow of traffic to curb its impediments. He explained.

Speaking further Olusegun said the Traffic Control Day is also meant to inform and educate the people to understand that they play a major role in ensuring that the society moves

tem within the megacity would be the responsibility of everyone in the society.

“Most drivers drive against traffic which is very dangerous, some use their vehicles to push traffic officers, non observance to traffic signs, some drive with bare bodies , please this will no longer be tolerated, in Lagos we have a standard that must be adhered to strictly, please obey traffic rules and that is the key” Okonkwo explained.

Present at the occasion were the first Vice- president Nigeria Football Federation Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, the wife of Lagos State Governor who was duly represented by Chief Mrs Olulade.

Others were representatives of the LASTMA,VIS, FRSC, amongst others while highlights of the event was a novelty match between the celebrities/Feeders foundation and the traffic management officers who played with passion.The Traffic men won with a two/one while the celebrities/Feeders Captain Mr Ibu, a veteran actor won the most valuable player of the match.

32

racleToday

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33

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2018

Love and Living

...With Ireto Temofeh

MODEL OF THE WEEK

LOVE NEWS

Duchess of Cambridge gives birth to baby boy

T

he Duchess of Cambridge has given birth to her third child - a boy weighing 8lbs 7oz - on St George’s Day. Kensington Palace announced that the baby was born at about 11am, after Kate was taken by car before 6am to the private Lindo wing of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London.

The birth appears to have taken place without complications. The baby is fifth in line to the throne, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh’s sixth great-grandchild and a younger brother for Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

Prince William was present for the birth, and both Kate and the child were ‘doing well’, according to a palace spokesman. Senior members of the royal family were said to be ‘delighted with the news’.

Royal watchers had been expecting a swift delivery at the Lindo Wing, with the child sharing a birthday with William Shakespeare and Lady Gabriella Windsor, the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.

Sources told the Mail that Prince George was at school and was not taken out early despite the arrival of his new brother.

ROMANTIC JOKE THE MIDNIGHT CALL

Name: Edna Tel: +234 816 633 9597 •

If you want to be our next ORACLE GIRL, e-mail or forward your photos/data to ireto007@yahoo.com. Call 07031028714.

M

It was two o’clock in the morning and a husband and wife were sleeping when suddenly the phone rang. The husband picked up the phone and said, “Hello? (paused for a few seconds) How the heck do I know? What am I, the weather man?” and slams the phone down.His wife rolls over and asks, “Who was that?” The husband replies, “I don’t know. Some guy who wanted to know if the coast was clear tonight.”

ODD NEWS

ost people believe it pays to be beautiful, but according to new research, the ugliest among us don’t miss out when it comes to their wages.

People perceived as ‘very unattractive’ earn more than many of their better-looking peers, a study found.

This may be because ugly people are less open to new experiences and so are more likely to commit to their job, scientists said.

Previous research has suggested beautiful people are more confident, have better social skills and are seen as more able by employers, which typically translates to higher wages.

But the new study, from experts at the London School of

Why it pays to be ugly

front of their field?

WHAT DO WOMEN FIND ATTRACTIVE IN MEN? HERE ARE 4 SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN TRAITS

Economics and the University of Massachusetts, found there is a caveat to this ‘beauty premium’.

They analysed data from 20,000 young Americans who were interviewed and rated on their attractiveness at 16 and then three more times over the next 13 years.

The team wanted to see whether the participants’ earnings at 29 were linked with their physical attractiveness at that or any previous age.

Overall, results showed people who were more extroverted, conscientious and less neurotic made significantly more money

1 - Popularity Men appear more attractive if they’re popular with other women, according to scientists.

The theory is that women are especially attracted to men with partners because they are more likely to be kind and faithful which makes them ‘good mates’.

than others.

‘Very unattractive’ participants always made more money than those who were just ‘unattractive’, the research found.

This was also sometimes the case when very unattractive people were compared with participants labelled ‘average looking’ and ‘attractive’.

Psychologist Dr Alex Fredera, who was not involved in the research, suggests this difference is thanks to a contrast in the groups’ openness to experience.

Unattractive people were found to be less open to new experiences, which may correlate

with higher earnings.

This is because ‘very unattractive’ people were more likely to commit to their job, allowing them to climb the professional ladder more effectively than more attractive and ‘open’ participants.

Dr Fredera wrote in BPS Digest: ‘Could this Openness-attractiveness association be an indicator that some of the very unattractive scored especially low on Openness, and were perhaps highly devoted to a specific topic area, pursuing it obsessively to the exclusion of all distractions and eventually entering the fore-

2 - Money Women are more likely to find men attractive if they think they have a bulging wallet, a new study has found - but for men it’s still all about the looks.

A recent study suggests that Continued on page: 34

34

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2018

True Confession

T

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

I married my cousin because we were destined for each other

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

Why it pays to be ugly Why it pays to be ugly

Continued from page: 33

women are four times as sensitive to salary when considering a male partner as men are when choosing a female partner.

3 - Muscles When it comes to what women want, muscular, tall men still win out, a recent Austrlian study suggests.

Scientists showed a group of 160 women photographs of shirtless, faceless men and asked to give them an attractiveness rating.

The results show men who looked

strong, with muscular arms and toned torsos, did far better than those who had worked a little less hard at the gym.

4 - Intelligence It seems that, for some, looks and personality really don’t matter.

Nearly one in ten people find intelligence to be the most attractive feature in a partner - a trait known as sapiosexuality, according to researchers at the University of Western Australia.

‘We know that Openness correlates neg-

atively with the passion component of ‘Grit,’ so such effects are conceivable.’

The results contrast the findings of previous studies, which have typically found that unattractive people earn less than their good-looking peers.

Study coauthor Professor Mary Still said these papers may not have accounted for very ugly people, as ‘very unattractive’ and ‘unattractive’ are often combined into one group.

‘Thereby they fail to document the ugliness premium enjoyed by the very unattractive workers,’ she said.

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. I honestly think we were destined for each other.

The experience is so sweet and I’m glad that me and my cousin were destined to be together.

• Do you have a story or comment about this confession? Call 07031028714.

35

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2018

Relationships and Love Advice

My lesbian Auntie wants my body

Love Search Women seeking relationship/ marriage Oluchi, 34, tall, dark, busty, single mother, in Festac Town, Lagos, needs a responsible, working Igbo man from 38-45 years for marriage. 08164007657.

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Dear Love Doctor, I need your help. My aunt is a lesbian and she wants to have lesbian sex with me. She is my mother’s younger sister and she is very rich because she is married to a politician. My mother sent me from the village to stay with her in Abuja so that she can sponsor my education up to university level. I’ve been living with her for six months now and I observe the way different women come into the house to visit her. If her husband

is around, the women will stay in the living room and be chatting with my aunt. But after her husband leaves the house, my aunt will take her female visitor inside her room and lock the door. Now she tells me to cooperate with her if I want to become a university graduate in future. She says that if I don’t cooperate with her I will end up as a failure in life because she won’t use her money to train me. Sometimes in the night when

her husband is asleep, she would come inside my room and tell me to suck her breasts and vagina.

I’ve been doing it for her since last month because I don’t want her to send me back to the village.

But now I’m fed up. My parents are very poor in the village. Please what should I do?

From Nancy, Abuja.

Love Doctor’s Advice:

However, she is not God and does not hold the key to your destiny. You don’t have to go through such horror of sexual harassment

Call Love Doctor: 07031028714, 08131161840, 08077821830 for Counseling, infertility & Direct Hookup.

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Dear Nancy, I’m aware some men are married to lesbians. A lesbian that also sleeps with a man or is married to a member of the opposite sex is called a bisexual. Therefore, your aunt is a bisexual. She is evil. Stop doing it with her.

Lora from the middle belt wants a HIV positive man of 35-40 years for marriage.

08090925014.

from a woman like you and a member of your own family for that matter, in order to be a graduate or succeed in life.

Therefore, I suggest you return to your parents and tell them to seek help elsewhere, that is, away from your aunt. You can also choose to learn a trade in the interim, for example, fashion designing or hairdressing so that you

can work now and save money to go to school later on.

Note: In order to help women seeking relationship and marriage have a fuller figure and better shapes and curves, intimate products are available for you, such as hips and breast enhancement products and products that help ladies to have bigger buttocks.

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Do you have advice on this problem? Please share your thoughts. Call 07031028714 or 08131161840.

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36

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2018

It happened to me:

My boyfriend broke up with we because I had an abortion

I

was hosting a going-away party for my friend who was moving to Australia. The house was littered with PBRs and old stories of our college years. Friends I haven’t seen in years showed up, including this one guy I had a crush on and never told him.

We were chatting in my back patio and in I drunkenly, stupidly smiled at him. “I think you want me to kiss you.” I giggled.

“I do.”

That was our first kiss. On February 28th, I finally got to kiss Roger.

At the time I didn’t have high hopes for us. I was planning on a one night stand and maybe another casual hook-up in the future. Roger was different. He knew how to be non-threatening to me. He just wanted to be there.

Three weeks later he said it was OK if he wasn’t my boyfriend but I was his girlfriend to him. He was perfect for me.

We were together for five months. That’s definitely not that long to be with someone, but for me it was a big deal. Relationships have never been my thing. I’ve had always had extreme commitment issues.

So when I found someone who was laid back and just waited for me to open up to him I was elated. Everything seemed perfect.

We never fought. We smiled and laughed and everything was perfect.

At 2 months he told me he loved me. And I loved him too. Oh man, I loved him more than anything.

After 3 months of dating, he met my parents. They talked about grandkids so much it must have freaked him out because then he

sat me down to tell me he didn’t want kids in the near future. This was a big issue for him and he just wanted to be truthful.

For me, all I knew was that I wanted him. Before being with him I was convinced I would just get knocked up by some random one night stand and I would go live my Gilmore Girls life as a single mom, but I never needed a child to be complete me. I knew if I had to choose between him and a child I would choose him.

I told him that I would do anything to keep him and if he didn’t want to have children right now, then that was OK. We wouldn’t have children.

Before Roger, it was two years since I had a steady sex partner so I decided to get off the pill and rely on condoms. When I realized Roger was going to stick around I decided to start on the pill. We had a conversation about it. I said we needed a plan B in case my hormones weren’t regulated enough.

I asked him what he would want to do if I did get pregnant. He told me he believed in the woman’s right to choose. Like I said. He was perfect. We had plans to go to Hawaii.

Five weeks after that conversation, I found out I was pregnant.

I was scared. I was ashamed. I felt stupid and ill-prepared. I was freaking out. I called him. He was perfect. Everything I needed to hear, he said. He said he just wanted to be there with me. I felt so lucky that this was the man I was going through life with.

That weekend we celebrated my birthday—more in love than ever. He gave me

a beautiful diamond necklace. Wrote me a beautiful card saying how he was excited to spend so many more years with me.

I asked him how he felt about the pregnancy. He said again that he just wanted to make sure I was OK. Then he said that he doesn’t feel the same about kids any more. He would want to try to have kids in three years. I was ecstatic when he told me this. This made the abortion so much easier for me. Knowing that we would have another chance, that one day I would have a child from the love of my life.

Two days after my birthday, I was bleeding.

I went to the ER and I had a threatened miscarriage. My mom had over five miscarriages. I have always known that being pregnant would be a struggle for me. He was worried for me, but I knew I was fine. “I guess the baby doesn’t want to be here either.”

The day of the abortion he hugged me. Said he loved me. Held me. I never felt so protected and safe.

After the abortion, something changed.

He held me harder. I realized he was crying.

I asked him to tell me what was wrong. He wouldn’t tell me. I begged. Nothing. He did this for two days. I asked him if we did the right thing and he said we did. He said it was the right thing to do. It was what was best for us.

The Monday after the abortion he called me to tell me he didn’t think he could be my boyfriend any more. He didn’t want to be with someone who aborted his baby.

He never once told me he was against abortions or that he was against someone abort-

ing his children. But back when we discussed having kids and I said I would do anything to make him happy. Even if that meant aborting our child. He thought to himself how he would break up with me if I ever did abort his child. But he didn’t think to tell me this. Ever.

He thought I was careless for getting pregnant and using abortion as an option. He’s 31.

You would think he would understand the general consequences of having sex. He definitely should have never have cum inside me if he felt that way.

I told him I started birth control a week after we started sleeping together, but I hadn’t had the pill for over two years. If he felt that strongly about abortion and not having kids I would have scheduled an IUD as soon as possible.

He didn’t care. He has already moved on from this. I asked him why.

“You would have kept the baby,” he replied.

I was so appalled. Of course I would have kept the baby. I wanted to have kids. I told him he had no right to keep that from me. He set us up to fail. He didn’t care. He said that he would always love me as a friend, but he was over this and had nothing nice to say anymore.

Four days from that break up, I would board a plane by myself to Hawaii.

• Do you have a story or comment about this true confession? Call 07031028714.

37

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2018

The Law and You

With Barr. Ken Akpom 08162016410

Married women should be excluded in interstate succession of their father’s estate, except…

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t is a very known fact that every father loves their children equally whether males or females. Likewise, it is a very known fact that fathers’ prayers for their female children is to get married to responsible men who will take good care of their female children. Fathers’ prayers are usually as in the biblical way of female children to live their parents’ houses, change their surnames, have children for the man, and assist their husbands to grow and gather possessions for their own children. This invariably means that those female children have changed their town of origin to the males and are not expected to come back to their parents’houses to struggle or contest the inheritance of the parents’ estates. In reality, a man’s generation is the males that bear his name and blood. Because they cannot claim that their children from the males will inherit the estates of their own parents and at the same time inherit that of the mother’s husband. A situation where the mother of a child is married to a man from ‘A’ village and gave birth to children for that man at ‘A’ village but wants to inherit the estate of her father from ‘B’ village properly as in common law for herself, her heirs, etc. and the law permits such an inheritance what becomes the position of the long standing customary law of the village? Does it means that the children of the female child are from the village B and not village A? Will this create misunderstanding, quarrel and bad blood in a united and peaceful village? Also, will this type of law not make the female folks be dis-respectful, disobedient and insulting to their husbands simply because they know that when the husband quarrels with them they can simply pack their luggages and if possible their children back to the father’s house to be causing problems there too? I am not suggesting that the female children should not be recognized and protected by their brothers when it is very glaring that they are been victimized by their husbands. However, the male family members must ensure that anymisunderstanding between their female members with their husbands are adjudicated properly but where there is no resolution then they should recall their sisters totheir father’s estates. It is very important to point this out that female inheritance should not be made to be for her heirs, privy etc. as is done in the common law because our culture and that of the Europeans are not the same. And since the law does not underratecustoms and traditions that are with good intentions to maintain peaceful and harmonious co-existence in a family, then the law should encourage and modify it but not to encourage the females to be misbehaving in their husbands’ houses. It is also a well-known fact that not all the females may get married. Some will marry and divorce; others may be ‘not married and not single, Ms.’ In any of these cases the customs of the various villages ought to protect them in allowing them the benefits of their late father’s estate for them to reside until their death and after their deaths the said estates should revert back to the males because the offspring of these females cannot claim to be indigenes of their father’s villages. Also, there is no problem in the female inheriting in the estates of the late father’s outside their villages or towns and more so if the estates are sizeable enough to accommodate the males and the females without any compactness.

It is in line with these arguments and more that I wish to highlight the various customs of each of the tribes in Nigeria as well as some Supreme Court Judgements on these issues.

It is a known fact that the judgement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria is the final and nobody or Court can reverse it except it reverses it by itself. My submission is that the Supreme Court should please look into its earlier judgment which did not take into cognizance these areas of conflicts of interest that I have pointed out and correct or reverse its judgment if it pleases the court. I submit with the greatest respect to its decisions which are full of wisdom and experience.

Last time, my good friend, Nnamdi visited me in my office he was lamenting about the attitude of one of his sisters, Nkechi. Nkechi is their first daughter and she got married to a fairly well-to-do graduate who has his own estate and is from Umu-elu while Nkechi is from Umu-aron. Nkechi is a civil servant while her husband, Kelvin, has retired as a public servant. They have a son only but Nkechi believes that she can inherit from her late father’s estates; she kept on insulting, molesting and even walked away with the only son to her different location of work not even minding the ill health of her husband. Nnamdi further told me that his sister returned to their village at Umu-aron to demand for her own share of the small estate of their father as her own permanent share for herself, her heirs, privies, etc. and that her own son should now inherit it after her death probably to turn to become a son of Umu-aron and not Umu-elu.

His sister according to him is now an author of confusion, disunity, troubles and problems in an otherwise peaceful, loving and united family because of the way she misunderstood the judgement of the Supreme Court in that regard. It is also in line with this narration and more that I wish to highlight some of the decisions of the Supreme Court on the procedures of some different tribes in Nigeria in this matter. Enjoy your reading.

An interesting scenario of the Supreme Court judgement on this type of issue is in the case of Asika v. Atunanya, 2008 ALL FWLR part 433, at 1294. In this issue, the plaintiff who are mostly married women and daughters of the testator claimed against the defendant (a son to their brother, Fidelis) that they were entitled in equal shares to the property known as No. 25, American Road, Onitsha. The Will of their late father read in part as follows; “I give and bequeath in equal share unto my children namely; Pau-

lina, Michael, Fidelis, Catherine, Cordelier and Felicia, all my possession” The defendant denied the claim of the plaintiffs to equal shares in their father’s property because they were all married women except one and that the native law and custom of Onitsha people, their home town, which according to the defendants applied to the parties only entitled married women the entitlement of their husband’s estates and not their father.

Note: As I had earlier in my column stated, there are two forms of estates of a deceased person namely; Testate and Intestate. Testate is where the deceased made a genuine and perfect Will of how he wants his estates both moveable and immoveable partitioned and this must be upheld in law as in the scenario above that I am explaining. In the process of a Will, the dead speaks from the grave.

Intestate is where a deceaseddied without making a will. In this case, native law and customs or if there was an existing statutory marriage which gives power of Administration of the deceased estates to first and foremost the spouse, the children, etc. will be affected. This case was not and is not applicable to the scenario above that I am explaining. If the lawyer of the defendant had advised him properly, he would not have refused to abide by the last Will of their father and receive the defeat he received, as we will see from the decision of both the lower Courts and the Supreme Court. Also, it is true that native law and custom plays a big role in succession but once there is a valid Will, the common law takes precedence. In the case in view at the lower Court, the claim of the defendant was dismissed in part. He appeal to the Court of Appeal and one issue that the court contemplated on was whether women were not entitled to inherit the estate of their parents as a result of disqualification by native law and custom irrespective of provisions to that effect in a will. The court rules that “…………. the proposition by the respondent relating to the sharing of the estate in accordance with Onitsha Customary Law cannot prevail over the provision of the will”. He further approached the Supreme Court and lost.

My write-up is not on testate (Will) but on intestate (without a Will) and I still appeal for a reconciliation of the conflict of law between common law ideology and that of the native and customary law which is repugnant to equity, fairness and justice. Concerning the reasons for a review, there are more explanations of this kind of ruling of the Supreme Court which gives married women right to inheritance to their parental family estates as in the common law contract. I also will like to draw the attention of the authorities concerning the case of Ajibaiye v. Ajibaiye (2007) ALL FWLR part 359, 132 in which there was an existing Will which states; “I also direct and want my estate to be shared in accordance with the English Law and as contained in this Will having chosen English Law to guide my transaction and affairs in my life time notwithstanding the fact that I am a Muslim”. In this case, the Court of Appeal did not follow the English Law by Muslim Law applicable to Will’s law of Kwara State.

I appeal that a review or explanation of the intention of this law on discrimination of women according to Section 42(1) and (2)of the Constitution of Nigeria should be reviewed to take into consideration the havoc caused by allowing married women to inherit the estate of their fathers and converting their children from another man in another father’s town who will probably be contesting for the chieftaincy positions and other cultural activities and positions with the uncles. As well as constituting nuisance in such villages/ towns because they assumed the takeover of their supposed temporary inheritance of their mother which ought to terminate at the death of their mother or her being able to resettle herself to another location.

INTESTATE SUCCESSION ACCORDING TO YORUBA, IGBO, MOSLEM STATE The patterns of intestate succession under customary law in Nigeria are different in variation according to the different ethnic groups in the country but I shall only briefly discuss the Yoruba, Igbo and Moslem systems.

The Yoruba System All the children of the deceased are entitled to his real property to the exclusion of other blood relations. The landed property devolves on his children as family property. The children of the deceased have rights to the property but its management is under the control of Dawodu, the eldest surviving son.

There are two systems of distribution of the deceased states by Yoruba customary law known as IDI-IGI and ORI OJORI. In the IDIIGI system, the estate is divided per stripes that is, equally among the mothers in a polygamous setup with the children born by them taking their own portions. In the case of ORI-OJORI, the estate is partitioned per capita among the children of the deceased and not according to mothers. However, the preferred system by the Yoruba and according to the ruling in a case between Danmole v.

Dawodu (1958) 3 FSC 46 (1962) 1 ALL NLR 702 (pc)is the IDI-IGI is for avoidance to litigations and not contrary to natural justice, equity and good conscience. It need be mentioned that an illegitimate child cannot succeed to the estate of the putative father until he is acknowledged by the father in Yoruba Customary Law. Likewise, a surviving spouse is not entitled to succeed in the estate of the other as in the case of Suberu v. Sanminu (1957) Vol. 11 PSC 33.

Also, at the death of the married daughter of the deceased, the estate does not move to her husband, or children but reverts back to the male children/family of the deceased as the estate of the deceased is not transferrable to another.

The Igbo System Under the principle of primogeniture, succession is through the eldest male in the family who is known as ‘Okpala’, ‘Diokpala’ or ‘Diokpa’. In the case of the nuclear family, succession is through the eldest male child of the deceased. With regard to the extended family, succession is through the eldest son of the ancestor and so on in that line irrespective of the fact that the ‘Okpala’ may in fact be junior in age to other members of the extended family.

On the death of the founder of a family, his eldest son succeeds him as the head of the family. A female cannot be the family head no matter her seniority in the family. He also inherits from the father, the father’s personal ‘Ofo’ and other objects of worship. Where a title survives the holder, the eldest son inherits the father’s title. He is also entitled to the insignia of the hereditary office which he has no right to sell, they being family property. Under Igbo Customary Law, females do not possess the right to inherit land, that is, neither the daughters nor the widows of the deceased have right in respect of his real estate. The principle was brought out in the case of Ugboma v. Ibeneme (1967) FNLR 251.

The only exception to this rule seems to exist in parts of Idemili Local Government Area of Anambra State where a daughter in respect of whom the ‘Nrachi’ ceremony has been performed inherits her father’s compound and other lands and houses. The Nrachi ceremony is usually performed where a man has only daughters and no son.

In order to ensure the continuation of the family line, he persuades one of his daughters not to marry but to remain in the family with the hope of bearing a male heir. The rule that a daughter is not entitled to inherit her father’s estate is partly mitigated by her right to be maintained by the person who inherits her father’s estate until she marries or becomes financially independent or dies. Moreover, an unmarried daughter has a right to be shown a portion of her father’s land or family group farmland for her annual farming needs.

This right lasts until she marries or leaves the family group or dies.

In Polygamous family, Igbos agree with the two systems; IDI-IGI and ORI-OJORI, but they prefer the first and women do not have any right and share in the estate except with accommodation till they sort out themselves or die and the estate reverts to the family.

The Moslem System The rights of succession under Islamic law are set out in the Koran.

Succession under Islamic law is to the net estate of the intestate after the payment of funeral expenses, debts, legacies and other charges. The share which are inherited are of the following fractions only – ½, ¼, 1/8, 2/3 and 1/6 of the estate.

If a Moslem dies intestate, his estate must be shared among his heirs entitled to share his estate under Moslem law. His male children must have equal shares and the female children half-share each. A child may only be disinherited of his legal share if he is not a Moslem, or if he kills his parents with the intention to inherit their properties. The rules of distribution are as follows. On the death of a man intestate, his widow is entitled to one-quarter of the estate.

But if there are children or grand-children, her share will be reduced to one-eighth. Where there is a plurality of wives, they share the one-quarter or one-eighth equally between them. One significant point in the Moslem mode of distribution is that the estate is divided per capita and not per stripes.

• Do you have questions or seek legal clarification on issues concerning your marriage, probate, property, etc? Call or send a text message to Barr. Ken: 08162016410, 08075763840. Email: kenakpom@yahoo.com

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

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With Douglas Omoyooma

My challenges as a greenhorn – DKD

ecently, Oracle Today caught up with the actor best known for his portrayal of Bossman in the movie A Soldier’s Story, for which he won the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) and the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) awards for Best Actor and he opened up on how it all began for him.

Going down memory lane, the multiple award winning actor and hunk began: “We always have challenges in whatever we do in life but for me, the biggest challenge was that the producers despite knowing I was talented wouldn’t cast me in a lead role or any role at all because they knew I was a nobody.

They would say ‘fine, you want to act but can you sell my film?’ That was what they alway said those days and are still telling green horns today. However, the directors would always advocate for me A role I had never played before. The saying they have seen me in different character was not supposed to be from auditions but this initially made little Nigeria, he was supposed to be from an difference.

English speaking country.”

“The problem was that for lead roles, A lot of his colleagues are going into producers will always want someone movie production, when is he joining that is popular and that is because they are businessmen. They are like ‘cool, this the bandwagon? “Because of my experience in the industry,” he says picking dude is good but he can’t sell my film.’ his words cautiously, “I have realized Apart from financial challenges where people can’t pay you enough to fuel your that it is not always smooth sailing. A lot car or pay for your transport fare or even of people go into movie production and they have different reasons. However, feed yourself, it was quite challenging. that is not what I want to do right now.

“There were lots of opportunities but Maybe in the future and if I am going to I always lost them because they felt I wasn’t popular enough; I couldn’t meas- do it I probably would study properly for it. I don’t want to be a half-baked direcure up to the more popular faces in the tor or a half-baked producer.” industry.”

Describing DKD as a hunk would be So, how did he find the strength and stating the obvious. What is the craziest inspiration to continue: “I must thank God for His support and of course, those thing a wannabe actress has ever done to him? “I don’t directors who belike answering any lieved in me. God question concernwas and still my “The problem was ing sex in the indusinspiration through try because there is thick and thin. Withthat for lead roles, sex in every indusout him I wouldn’t producers will always try,” he continues be here today. Yes, breaking into a soft it was rough initially want someone that and mischievous but today, the story laugh. “Before I is different because I is popular and that became an actor, was driven by pasis because they are I had friends who sion and was deterin the bankmined never to give businessmen. They are were ing industry and up on my dreams.” all walks of In a career spanlike ‘cool, this dude is from life and issues of ning almost a decgood but he can’t sell sex followed were ade, DKD has starred a hot topic in over a dozen my film.’ Apart from always when discussing movies including Ivie, with them Same Difference, financial challenges “Maybe, because Paint My Life, Temin the entertainpest and Lions of 76. where people can’t industry, we What would he say pay you enough to fuel ment are in the public has been his most challenging movie to your car or pay for your glare so things get blown out of date?

“Most challenging transport fare or even proportion. When a celebrity has an movie? He asks rhefeed yourself, it was accident and dies torically as a bright it is a big deal but smile lights up his quite challenging.” people have acfeatures, “the fact is cidents everyday that every single job that I have done has been challenging in and die so the truth is that even though its own different way. I can’t say that this actors and actresses have accidents and die does not mean the industry is not one or that one is the most challenging because for each particular job I d, there cursed. There is sex everywhere.”

Would he go nude for a movie if the is something unique that I have never prize is right? “Well, it depends. Nudity done before. has to tell a story, you can’t just go nude “In one flick you are probably running for the fact of nudity and it is not porthrough the bushes, jumping, doing physical combat and in the next flick you nography that we are shooting. If it is a have to simulate flying a jet. It is so many story that depicts something, where will the movie be shown? Here in Nigeria; different things. Most recently I would say when I filmed the Soldier story which No. Our culture cannot only let you go so far, I will go as far as our culture will let won me award for Best Actor in 2016 I me tell a proper story.” was overwhelmed because it was challenging because I had to play a bad role.

Today, the actor, model, voiceover artiste and compere known as Daniel Kanu Daniel aka DKD is one of the most sought after faces in Nollywood inspiring millions of youths across the african continent with fans spread cross the world. But once upon a time, he was a green horn who struggled tooth to nail to get roles in movies.

•

Daniel Kanu Daniel (DKD)

39

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2018

Entertainment

13 musicians, comedians storm Lagos for BJ Sax concert T hirteen musical icons including ace comedians will storm Lagos on May 13 for the second edition of ‘BJ Sax live,’ a concert put together by Bolaji Sax, one of Nigeria’s finest saxophonists.

The musicians,led by the host, that will charge the atmosphere spiritually include Nathaniel Bassey, Frank Edwards,Tim Godfrey, Big Bolaji, while Saco, Kenny Black and Woli Agba will keep the laughter flowing. Other musicians expected at the event slated for Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos are Ifeoluwa Odogiyan, Olaolu Gbenjo, Onos, MOZ, Bukola Bekes, Tosin Bee, Femi Okunuga and Odunayo.

In an interview, Bolaji sax who said the artistes were coming due to popular demand and impact made in the industry, stressed that viewers would also be seeing him in a different light.

Bolaji Sax promised versatile stage performance, even as he would be also doing some of his new private compositions. ”Yea, this upcoming concert would be a class act and on a grander scale than my previous effort. I’m going to be doing a lot of new things, medley and the likes. Also, fans will get to see me in new light as a stage person.

• BJ Sax There will be a lot of dancing, intense worship and comedy. And we are bringing 13 artistes - which is a lot - to grace the stage.”

While imploring Nigerians not to miss the show, the Olabisi Onabanjo university, engineering graduate said

many free tickets had been given out, even as tables could still be had before the d-day.

Last year, the artiste, christened Banjoko Abolaji David, held the highly successful ‘BJ Sax Live’ concert for the first time as well as album launch.

New TV show, ONGAcious berths

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new weekly magazine family TV show, ONGAcious, aimed at promoting Nigeria’s culture, tourism and healthy living has started showing on selected television channels across the country.

Speaking at a media interactive session in Lagos, the Marketing Manager, Promasidor Nigeria, Mr. Abiodun Ayodeji said the company chose to sponsor ONGAcious because the show aligns with the brand essence of Onga, which revolves on trust, family, responsibility and caring.

He said: “We have a very rich culture, which many people do not appreciate. The show is saying, ‘let us talk about Nigeria; let us celebrate our culture; let us talk about our local

delicacies and their health benefits’.

This is the only way the younger generation can appreciate the country’s culture.

“Each episode exposes viewers to the unique history, traditions and culture of a specific city or town. Apart from the documentary, an individual who is grounded in the culture of the place takes the audience through its history in an engaging manner. The show also shows the audience the array of local foods they can prepare and highlights the health benefits of such delicacies.”

The Brand Manager (Onga), Sophiat Bello added that the TV stations were selected from different parts of the country to reflect the national appeal

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t has emerged that but for the tantrum she unleashed on Tobi in the closing days of BBNaija, Cee-C would have won BBNaija 2018 and gone home with a whopping N45m, the star prize for this year’s edition which was held in South Africa.

According to Francis Omokri, a Lagos businessman: “Cee-C had all she needed to go home with the N45m which was the star prize for BBNaija 2018. She was on the way to the top as not just only Nigerians but Africans loved her. However, in one moment of indiscretion she lost it after her rant where she called fellow housemate, Tobi, various names. That move turned her fans off who instantly switched their loyalty to Miracle. That was the only reason she lost. I only hope she has learnt her lesson now but losing N45m is a lot of amount of money to lose just to learn a lesson in decorum and humility.”

For another BBNaija fan, Tito Omojola, a nurse by profession: “It is sad that Cee-C, after all the hard work she put into her game ended up losing. And the reason is not far fetched, it was her anger. she practically behaved like an agbero when she unleashed her venom on Tobi. All that was uncalled for. She lost control of herself and forgot that the world was watching her. That move turned fans off. An African woman shouldn’t behave like that. Her behaviour was a big shame to women all one the world. I was a big fan of hers’ until that moment. As soon as that happened, I switched my allegiance. I hope young women will learn a lesson or two in humility from Cee-C’s fall. As far as I am concerned, Miracle was just a lucky guy because I believe he did not do anything extra ordinary to win.”

Recall that during the show which lasted for 90 days, Cee-C had been a favourite of fans and was widely tipped to go home with the star prize. That was until she flew of the handle during a chat with Tobi after which she spoke for minutes endlessly abusing Tobi and calling him unprintable names.

of the Onga brand. ONGAcious, according to her, is a pan-Nigerian programme both young and old would find valuable.

Sponsored by Onga, a brand from the stable of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, the educative programme, premiered on Saturday, April 7, 2018, airs every weekend on select TV stations in Nigeria including: TVC Lagos, African Magic Family (DSTv and GOtv), OSRC TV Akure, STV Jos, ABS Awka, NTA Kano, NTA Ilorin, NTA Kaduna, NTA Aba, NTA Port Harcourt, NTA Minna, Rima TV Sokoto and Nigbati Tv(StarTimes channel 137), with more channels expected to be added to the list.

Is Tiwa savage dating wizkid?

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s pop star, Wizkid dating Tiwa Savage? That is the question on every one’s lips following their recent show of love and affection towards each other at a show recently where Wizkid actually kissed the mother of one fully on the lips and hugged her tightly for the best part of two minutes.

Said a close pal to the artistes: “They both have had history working together. From Bad to Ma Lo, these two artistes have always brought fire whenever called upon. People are beginning to discuss in hushed tones if really Wizkid and Tiwa Savage are having an affair but you won’t blame them because the pair have not given their fans a choice “Recall that only recently, Wizkid celebrated Tiwa Savage on her birthday. This was the part that kind of tipped everyone off suggesting that Tiwa Savage and Wizkid where more than friends.”

Added the source: “Wizkid didn’t post just one but he posted five of Tiwa Savage’s photos on his Instagram page! And he even went as far as calling her his ‘Queen‘. Then, we began to see more of Wizkid and Tiwa Savage together everywhere. They went to clubs together, and even at

Real reason Miracle won BBNaija 2018

• Miracle

Is Davido finally hooked for life?

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• Wizkid Ushbebe’s concert, they were seated close to one another on the table and even exited the show together.

“How about the Warri show where they were together and some other places where they performed Ma Lo together. And at GidiFest that con-

• Tiwa Savage firmed something is going on behind the scene,” the source added.

Beginning with his manager, Jada P whom he impregnated, Wizkidhas has two other baby maams and he recently declared in a radio interview that monogamy was not for him.

hat controversial hip hop star, Davido, has an insatiable libido is not in doubt. And there is incontrovertible evidence to that end. Within a few years of hitting stardom, the act to date has three baby mamas and still counting and with numerous babes dying to roll in the hey with him.

But lately, a new trend has been playing out. The act who is known for posting amorous images of him and his women online for a while now has been dotting on just one woman. Not only that, the pair are always seen together and traveling together as Davido fuses over her. Recently images of the pair vacationing on a caribbean beach went viral among many others.

And last week, Dalopo Badmus, Police PPRO for Lagos finally noticed and she made a statement which instantly went viral in which she suggested that the reason Chioma was able to lock down Davido was because was a good cook.

Said an insider: “That Davido is in love is not in doubt.

Gone are his ‘Christiano Ronaldo’ days. What ever it is Chioma has used to charm him we don’t know but one thing is certain, he is going to hang around Chioma for a very long time to come. They couple are the hottest item on social media right now; OBO has finally fallen in love,” the insider added.

The Oracle Today

40

Wednesday May 2, 2018

NEWS

IYC fumes over Buhari’s ‘lazy youths’ comment

By CLEM ONYEMAECHI, Yenagoa

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HE umbrella organization of Ijaw Youths worldwide, Ijaw Youth Council has condemned the statement by President Muhammadu Buhari describing Nigerian youths as lazy and uneducated.

The President had made the scathing remark while attending the Commonwealth meeting in faraway London.

Reacting to the comment, Tuesday, the IYC in a statement signed by its President, Barr. Pereotubo Oweilaemi, said such an outburst is ‘an insult to the sensibilities of the youth of this country.

“It is not correct that Nigerian youths anywhere in the world are exhibiting that attitude of idleness. The reason why the youths of this country are leaving Nigeria in droves in search of greener pastures is because of the leadership failure engendered by past and present leaders in the saddle of authority. President Buhari is part of the leadership failure that has plunged this country into the abyss of doldrums”, the statement said.

The statement further said the fact that Nigerian youths are seen all over the world in search of greener pastures does not mean that they are lazy and uneducated, stressing that the youths of the country have proven to the world in different capacities their competence and intellect in engaging in various chosen endeavors.

“In Europe, the best African footballers are youths from Nigeria.

Majority of the black basketball players in America are from Nigeria.

The best black doctors in America are youths from Nigeria. Nigerian youths are the pride of academic excellence in the UK which includes first class graduates in Harvard and other reputable universities in Europe and America. President Buhari should be proud of the achievements of the Nigerian youths in foreign lands”, the statement stressed.

The Ijaw youths insisted that despite the self-induced economic woes occasioned by Buhari’s lack of administrative competence, ‘Nigerian youths are still making waves in the world Guinness book of record on the positive side.’

“If some youths deserted the country to be idle in foreign lands then Buhari who was once a Head of State and now a President of the country should blame himself because he has failed this generation.

The youths are not the cause of the unemployment and the collapse of our educational standards in the country”.

The IYC further said successive governments in the country have failed the youths who are supposed to be the future of the country, saying they have turned the youths into endangered species.

The youth body advised President Buhari to act fast and put things in order and save the country from imminent revolution.

“President Buhari should act fast to save this country from the imminent revolution. Creating unemployment and loss of job in the country, while allowing those incongruous elements in his government to keep plundering the country of her abundance resources are the reasons why some youths deserted Nigeria.

“Buhari should be concerned about the acute corruption in his government which has been indicted by international bodies including Transparency International. He should stop demonizing and demarketing the Nigerian youths to the world. Let him tell the world the irredeemable corruption and impunity in his government.

“Lack of probity occasioned by the administrative recklessness in his government is the reason why Nigerian youths are leaving the country to foreign lands in order to fend for themselves. Let him create jobs and improve the standard of our educational system and the health care facilities so that the socalled lazy and uneducated youths in foreign countries can return to the country”, IYC demanded.

• Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, being received by a mammoth crowd of supporters at a reception in Oron organised in honour of the Secretary to State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem.

2019: Anioma adopts Okowa as sole candidate

By JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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he Anioma Nation in Delta State has endorsed the State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for a second term in office.

This is also as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, Deputy President of the Senate, Dr Ike Ekweremadu, Governor of Rivers State, Barr. Nyesom Wike, Chief Economic Adviser to former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Philip Asiodu, former Governors of Delta State, Chief James Ibori and Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, renowned nationalist, Chief Newton Jibunor, among others, also endorsed Governor Okowa for second term.

The event which took place in Asaba, the state capital, was also attended by former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Chief Benjamin Elue, the Ide of Ahaba, Chief Sunny Odogwu, traditional rulers, President-Generals of different ethnic nationalities.

“Today, my people of Anioma put up this show and I thank you all for this wonderful event, in 2015, Delta State did something that strengthened the unity of our people that though, we are diverse in ethnic, we believe that we are one people, in one Delta State; they realised that if the unity of Delta State must remain, they must speak with one voice and they did that through their votes and I won in the total votes cast in all the ethnic nationalities.

“That obviously sent a message that we are one people and we will continue to live in unity because in that unity, we will blossom; in that unity, we will succeed,” the Governor said, adding: “We came at a time there were challenges but, because of the support of all, we were able to wade through the turbulent days; the dark days are over and we shall grow to greater heights.”

He continued: “As we move on as a people, I must count on your support for us to sustain the peace that we enjoy, with peace, we will do well as a people, we will con-

tinue to build the roads in this state.

“As Deltans, we need to continue to pray and build on the trust that exists among us, I listened to President General of Isoko, the President General of Urhobo nation and the President General of the Ijaws endorsing me, so, who should I be afraid of? I thank you for adopting me as the sole candidate for the governorship election and I assure you that we will remain focused and resolute in developing our state.”

At the well-attended event, Chief Newton Jibunor moved the motion for the adoption of Governor Okowa as the sole candidate of Anioma Nation for the 2019 gubernatorial elections in Delta State which was unanimously assented to by the people.

Remarking, Governor of Rivers State, Barr. Nyesom Nwike, said: “As far as we are concerned in Rivers State, Okowa should be preparing for swearing-in because, if any other party is coming to Delta State to contest against Okowa, they should first tell the people what they have done for the people, because, Okowa is a gentleman, he is dependable and he has done very well in Delta State.”

For Deputy President of the Senate, Dr Ike Ekweremadu: “I thank

the Delta people for bringing an example of bringing justice to every part of the state for Nigerians to emulate. I commend Governor Okowa for doing justice to all manners of people and ensuring justice, fairness and equity in his activities.”

On his part, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus stated: “We are proud of your son, we are proud of his achievements.

On behalf of the national working committee, we salute our Governor, this is a new PDP and by the special grace of God, we will regain our lost grounds, no amount of intimidation, no amount of blackmail will stop Nigerians for voting PDP in 2019.

“The PDP is set to take over because the APC is a sinking ship.

Our youths are not lazy at all, our youths are leaders of tomorrow, they are resourceful, they are intelligent; for the interest of this country, we sympathize with our people in states where people are being attacked,” he reiterated.

Chairman of the occasion, Chief Philip Asiodu described Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as an illustrious son of Anioma Nation who has delivered dividends of democracy in all parts of Delta State and deserves re-election for second term in of-

fice.

Chairman of the planning committee for the event, Prof. Epiphany Azinge said: “The decision to receive our son, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa 3 years into office is purely deliberate. We recognise that he is more the son of Delta State, the entire Delta State remains his constituency; his commitment to actualization of his campaign promises is resolute and irreversible.

Immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, former Minister of Information, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo spoke on behalf of the Ijaws, Chief Iduh Amadhe spoke for the Isoko nation, Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Obi Efeizomor whose address was read by the Obi of Ubulu-Uku, HRM Kikachukwu, the Itsekiri nation who spoke through Chief Solomon Areyenka, the Anioma Congress whose speech was delivered by former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Chief Benjamin Elue, Ndokwa Neku Union through its National President, Chief Johnson Opone, Mr Kester Ifeadi and others who spoke at the occasion gave reasons why Governor Okowa should reemerge as the Governor of Delta State in 2019.

From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

agric training programme with each expected to be given N2.5m, over 150 from Jarigbe’s skills acquisition scheme and 75 on transport initiative.

Besides, over 200 widows and the aged benefitted from free medical outreach including 50 farmers who received farm inputs and cash.

Speaking during the empowerment/town hall meeting which is the 7th in its series at Ogoja Council secretariat, Hon Jarigbe Agom said the aim of the empowerment is to alleviate the plight of his people and thank his people for the confidence reposed in him.

“I came here to give back what they gave me in 2015 because I am

only holding the power on their behalf. What I have done here today cannot be compared to what they have done for me, but this is just the beginning, the best of me is yet to come.

“It is in appreciation of the mandate that I again decided to give out four vehicles, 31 pieces of brand new bikes, 36 sewing machines, 25 grinding machines and 10 generators as well as cash of about N10m to the needy.

“I am massively grateful to my / people and God willing, the next exercise will be better than this one. I thank them all for the opportunity to represent them and pray that God will meet them all at their respective points of need.”

C’River lawmaker empowers hundreds of constituents

A

s part of his drive to improve the lot of his constituents, member representing Ogoja/ Yala Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has empowered over 600 constituents with scholarships, sewing machines, generators worth N100m.

The breakdown show that over 200 indigent students both in secondary and tertiary benefitted from bursary and scholarship, 50 young men and women trained in different entrepreneurial skills at the Central Bank of Nigeria [CBN]

41

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2018

NEWS

2019: Where are all presidential hopefuls?

Cont’d from Pg 2

political calculations towards 2019.

Nor are those of his other southern brothers making much headway.

Indeed, many of the responses of President Buhari’s supporters to media criticisms of the president’s second term bid is that they would stand with Buhari UNLESS there are better alternatives or BECAUSE there are no better alternatives to the old man.

So, where are the 2019 presidential hopefuls?

“Yes, it is no longer a question of whether President Buhari would run or not since he has declared, appointed campaign Director-General as well as campaign spokesman. It is for those other people who want to run and who can do a better job to come out and declare and present themselves to Nigerians and showcase their political engineering, like I have always said,” argued Mr. Yinka Odumakin, National Secretary of Afenifere.

“Then we would determine what would happen. But it is wrong for anybody to say that other Presidential aspirants have returned to their shells since President Buhari declared his interest to re-run.

Let me tell you, do not think that nothing is happening. Something is happening as we speak; something will happen! You could say that, probably, there is absence of Presidential aspirants in APC and not in other parties.”

Among the current PDP frontline aspirants, mainly from the north, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and incumbent governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Dankwambo appear more prominent than others in the East, especially in Enugu.

However, of the two, Dankwambo is raging like wildfire among the youths.

For instance, the Youth Earnestly Seek Ibrahim Dankwambo (YESID2019) initiative, which runs on social media across the country, is currently enjoying amazing membership as well as followership, especially the youths.

The Oracle Today investigations revealed that the Enugu chapter of the initiative has been into serious 24 hours bustling with activities since it came on board few months ago.

It is not clear whether there is Rev. Fr. Mbaka factor in the raging support for Dankwabo’s presiden-

Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, with awardee Ochiagha Regan Uformba, right, and Rev Father Innocent Ajuonu, at CKC Cathedral, Aba centenary anniversary. tial bid.

Mbaka, the vocal Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry, Enugu, had, while advising President Buhari to shelve any possible ambition to run for re-election, suggested that Governor Dankwambo could make a good President of Nigeria come 2019.

He made the proclamation at the 2017 Passover Night on December 31 last year at the permanent site of his Ministry in Enugu.

According to party sources, covert critical and strategic planning that would guarantee victory in the 2019 polls remains the pre-occupation of the PDP and other parties, not a glut of presidential aspirants who would not breast the tape.

For instance, it was gathered that the PDP is painstakingly making consultations and even thinking of merging with other parties and possibly changing its name, if the need arises.

“The PDP is talking of merging with other parties and even changing the party’s name. May be that is the major reason why aspirants are not declaring their interests now,” revealed Chief Chris Nwokocha, a PDP stalwart in Abia State.

FG gives Ezeibe green light on HIV/AIDS research Cont’d from Pg 2 used to potentiate other drugs for better effects.

He has been interviewed by many committees but this is the first time he is getting a response from the federal government which did not dispute his claims but rather encouraged him to source more funds for further research into his research result.

When contacted, Ezeibe said he was pleased by the federal government’s response to his request.

“That the Inter-Ministerial Committee recommended that I should go ahead to complete my work and that a government agency should give me grant shows that Federal Ministry of Science and Technology and Federal Ministry of Health and, indeed, the government have seen merit in the HIV/AIDS-cure

claim from Nigeria.

“I am grateful to Vice Chancellor of MOUAU, Prof Francis Otunta, for believing in me from day one and to the Minister of Science and Technology and his colleague in the Ministry of Health who have come to believe that a Nigerian research result can lead to this discovery,” Ezeibe said.

He noted that many people have made such claims but “this was the first time a government was giving backing to the claim.”

According to Ezeibe, MSAMS has proved effective for treatment of other electrically charged disease-agents including cancer, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Meanwhile, Ezeibe is billed to give a lecture on mechanism of actions of the medicine against these “incurable’ diseases in a conference in Japan later this year.

He added: “But despite this, there are some aspirants that are making moves like the governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Dankwambo, immediate past Accountant-General of the Federation. He is interested and people are trying to woo him. People who know him believe in him but I think the problem he has is whether he has national appeal and if his supporters would be able to successfully market him to Nigerians nationwide. He is credited to be a good financial manager who has turned Gombe State around.”

For many PDP faithful, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar appears to be the best bet for now but his leaving and returning to the party appears to be stoking some opposition to his ambition.

However, the biggest headache may have to contend with is the desire of most people for younger Nigerians to run the affairs of the country.

In a chat, a political analyst, Geofrey Ikechi noted that this may have informed the resolve of PDP to woo Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, Senate President, Olusola Saraki and former Kano State governor, Alhaji Rabiu Kwakwanso.

The trio has reportedly given conditions that they may not return to the main PDP hence PDP’s efforts at trying out the merger option, where, it is believed, it will still be the dominant partner and probably adopt a new name.

Ikechi said it is only after this phase that the coast would be clear for good presidential materials to begin to emerge.

Former Cross River State governor, Mr. Donald Duke’s ambition to rule the country seems to have been revived recently when he announced his membership of Coalition for Nigeria movement (CN), which is spearheaded by former president Olusegun Obasanjo and on whose platform the former governor hopes to step into the presidential fray.

But, it is still unclear if he hopes to contest for the presidency on the PDP platform or the CN, given that he had earlier resigned his membership of the PDP during the administration of former governor Liyel Imoke but recently reaffirmed his membership of the party.

Though he is seen as a founding member of the CN movement, nothing in Cross River signifies that he has set the needed machinery in motion to launch his presidential ambition.

And although he reaffirmed his membership of the PDP, he has distanced himself from the party’s activities in the state and has neither spoken for nor against the party on any issue for quite some time now.

Similarly, although the PDP has zoned the Presidency to the north, a chieftain of the party in Imo State Barr Sympathy Nwosu has said he will run for president in 2019.

To that effect, Nwosu, a Principal Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales, has begun his consultation across board for the actualization of his presidential dream.

As part of his consultation with Nigerians in the diaspora and other communities in the UK, the PDP presidential aspirant paid a courtesy visit to Rt. Hon. Joan Ryan, Member of Parliament for Enfield North, where he lives, to inform her of his intention to contest the Nigerian presidential election in 2019.

“If given the opportunity to serve Nigeria, I will effectively fight corruption, create jobs, fix the education system and transport sectors and give power back to the people by way of empowering the local government in particular so that they can work effectively again and transparently,” he told the British MP, who wished him well.

While denying that presidential hopefuls are rather too quiet and may have ceded too much political space to Buhari, Chairman, Anambra State chapter of the PDP, Chief Ndubisi Nwobu said there are, on the contrary, a lot of capable presidential materials warming up to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari next year.

He cited former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, former governor of Kano State, Senator Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso and governor of Yobe State, Ibrahim Dankwambo as examples of aspirants who certainly are not ones to shy away from a fight.

Describing them as strong and able politicians who have broad views about contemporary national and international issues, Nwobu noted that they are all warming up and have their areas of strengths to excel in and take this nation to the next level.

Still criticizing Buhari’s decision to re-contest, Nwobu contended that “those pushing him only want to duck behind him to win re-election even when they know he will flop in the presidential poll… They know that if they dump him, they will all lose woefully and also lose the use of the instrumentality of his office. APC members are Nigerians, only they do not believe in being true to themselves.”

For some Nigerians, the most important consideration at this point in time is that those aspiring to be president in 2019 must not be older than 60.

Those who have argued along this line include the Ogilisi Igbo, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka; Chairman of Human Rights Defenders of Nigeria, Dede Uzor A. Uzor; Coordinator-General of Edo State Civil Society Organizations, Lestist Omobude Agho and Prof. Uche Igwe of the History/International Studies, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka.

In his statement, Ezeonwuka who is a member of Board of Trustees (BoT), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), disclosed that contrary to speculations that APGA might adopt President Muhammadu Buhari as its candidate for presidential election, the party would field a candidate who is from the younger generation.

Ezeonwuka contended that although APGA is yet to pick the candidate, the person must be a vibrant Nigerian and possibly an Igbo man or a person from any other tribe.

Uzor, in his own statement, said he is recommending someone like Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra sgtate; Ayodele Fayose, incumbent Governor of Ekigti state or Senator Shehu Sani who revealed how our sitting senators and House of Representatives members are being paid millions of naira as monthly salaries and allowances.

Uzor contended that the likes of Buhari belong to old generation, adding that Buhari lacks technological prowess to take Nigeria to the moon.

“The likes of India, Israel and Pakistan are only 12 years older than Nigeria but they have gone to the moon, while Nigeria is groaning in a state of disaster,” he lamented, adding that the president should better declare a state of emergency in the nation’s economy “because his economic policies cannot take us to anywhere since the presidency lacks the capability to set up an economic team that can take us to the moon.”

In his contribution, Omobude Agho noted that although Buhari’s second term bid is constitutional, a man from the younger generation would have been a preferable candidate to take over the mantle of leadership from him in 2019.

He, however, lamented that no other candidate has at the moment declared interest to contest the presidential seat in 2019.

Igwe pointedly said that “Buhari is too old to rule Nigeria” at this point in time, adding that “we need leaders who will feel the pulse of the people and one not guided by tribal sentiments.”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2018

NEWS

Bayelsa to fund students loans from IGR

B

ayelsa Government says it will use a portion of its internally generated revenue to fund the newlyestablished Students Tertiary Education Loan Board.

Gov. Seriake Dickson on Tuesday signed into law, a Bill establishing the Bayelsa State Students Tertiary Education Loan Board.

Dickson said shortly after signing the bill, that the board, specially designed to provide unfettered access to tertiary education in the state, would be inaugurated in two weeks.

According to the governor, a percentage of the state’s monthly internally generated revenue would be committed by law to fund the board.

The governor explained that funding of the new board would be similar to the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Funds.

The education fund was established by law to guarantee the arrangement for free education at the primary and secondary school levels in the state.

Dickson said that the new board was being established with a consciousness to ensure that no Bayelsa youth with the requisite qualification and intent for university or tertiary education was deprived because of lack of funds.

“We have also taken care of the issue of access in another way that I have not heard done in any state in this country.

“We also established the Bayelsa State Student Tertiary Education Loan Board Law. I have signed that bill into law, and in the next one or two weeks I will be setting up that board.

“And just as we dedicated five per cent of the internally generated revenue of our state to the Education Development Trust Fund, the Government of Bayelsa State will also every month, allocate some amount of money that I will announce shortly to the funding of the Student Loan Board.

“Once you have the basic qualifications that will enable

UGA IMPROVEMENT UNION This is to inform the general public that the above named union has applied to the corporate Affairs Commission C. A. C. Abuja for an Amendment of its Constitution under part C of the companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990 1. Preamble modified 2. Supremacy modified 3. Part II to include branches 4. Part V governing council to read meeting of the central executive council 5. Part VII to include Quorum 6. Part VIII governing council to read central executive council 7. Part XVII Traditional Ruler of Uga * Qualities and qualification of igwe to include i-xii * Method of selection of igwe of uga to include I-iv * Installation of igwe of uga to include (i-vi) * The offices of the ikenga , Ogaene, Ochiagha and Ide to read office of Ikenga, Ogene, Ochiagha and Akaeze to include (i-vi) * Status of ikenga, ogene , Ochiagha and akaeze to include (i-ii) * Functions of the Ikenga as Finance Minister to include (i-v) * Ogene as Information-Minister Functions (i-iv) * Functions of the Ochiagha as Defence Minister (i-iv) * Functions of Akaeze as Internal Affairs Minister (i-iii) * The removal of ikenga, Ogene, Ochiagha and Akaeze from office (i-iii) 8. THE REASON FOR AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION INCLUDE: 1. To arrange the constitution for easy referencing 2. To structure the constitution in line with the totality of people of Uga ways of life.

3. To factor in the constitution the interest of the diverse sections of Uga people 4. To specify the functions and duties of members of igwe of Uga cabinet.

5. To specify clearly qualities and qualifications of igwe of Uga 9. The key headings in the constitution are numbered.

Any objection thereto should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission , Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Sir James Egbigwe Umezulora

TRINITY GLORIOUS DELIVERANCE AND REVIVAL MINISTRY This is to inform the general public that the above named ministry have applied for registration Under part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE (1) OBI PETER IKECHUKWU=PRESIDENT. (2)OBI EBELE JOY= SECRETARY. (3) FAVOUR CHIDINMMA OBI=TREASURER. (4) FAITH NKIRUKA OBI. (5)AMARA OBI. (6) OBIDIEGWU EMEKA. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. (1)To preach the gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

(2)To give hope and healing to the sick, (3)To win Souls for Christ.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28days of this publication.

Signed President.

you to gain admission into university, either in the University of Africa Toru Orua or in our state-owned Niger Delta University or any other university in Nigeria to be left behind.

“As a responsible government, because we know all fingers are not equal and we do not want any child to be left behind, we are establishing the Students Loan Board.

The loan that the board will give will be paid directly to the universities.” Dickson said.

On the arrangement for the repayment of the loan, the governor said that beneficiaries of the loan would be required to repay within 10 to 20 years of graduation after they commence work.

Dickson added that the board, which would be empowered to formulate its policies, would pay for the cost of university education, especially school fees.

“I expect the university to cooperate with the board so that when the students graduate, when they begin to work, they can repay within 10 to 20 years without feeling it. That is the standard across the • Workers dig the ground for installation of streetlight in Enugu. world.” Dickson said

Igbo-Eze North Council to spend N1.5b in 2018 From CHUKS EZE, Enugu.

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he Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area in Enugu State is to spend N1.49b in fiscal year 2018.

N25m of that amount will come from internally generated revenue.

Tagged ‘A Budget of Fiscal Prudence’, the projected expenditure comprises N643m and N150m respectively for recurrent expenditure and personnel costs and N696m for capital expenditure.

Presenting the budget to the local government council at the Council chambers, Ogrute, Enugu-Ezike, on Tuesday, the Executive Chairman, Comrade Uwakwe Ezeja

noted that despite the budget constraints occasioned by the general drop in revenue allocation from the federation account, his administration has striven to deliver on his campaign promises, operating within the four-point agenda of the Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi Administration in Enugu State which subsists in rural development, quality healthcare delivery, prompt payment of workers’ salaries and industrialization.

“Over the years, Igbo-Eze North Local Government has been confronted with numerous development challenges which have made the area relatively underdeveloped with high poverty rate, youth

unemployment and insecurity being firmly rooted in our LGA,” he said. “It is against this background that this year’s budget has been aptly captioned ‘A Budget of Fiscal Prudence’. Thus the collective resources of Igbo-Eze North shall be judiciously utilized in addressing the critical developmental needs of the local government area.”

Ezeja enumerated his achievements in the past two years when he served as Caretaker Chairman and currently, to include preventive measures against HIV/AIDS pandemic; reconstruction of primary schools infrastructure; rehabilitation of several rural feeder roads, provision

of adequate security for life and property in the LGA and new markets development, among others.

The Chairman pledged that while he intends to deliver the best he can in terms of projects, “I do not wish to leave behind any uncompleted projects at the end of this administration.”

Thus, “within my current tenure, all projects which were embarked upon and could not be finished by previous administrations will be accorded a top priority,” Comrade Ezeja said. “In particular, the legislative building and the ultramodern pavilion our secretariat shall be receive immediate attention.

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The Oracle Today

43

Wednesday May 2, 2018

NEWS

Financial scam rocks Ochanja market

By THEO RAYS, Onitsha

A

FINANCIAL scandal running into hundreds of millions of Naira is currently rocking the popular Ochanja market in the commercial city of Onitsha involving traders who do theirs business at the Emodi street arm of trading place.

The scandal as gathered by The Oracle Today involves the traders who run a Union called Emodi Shoe Dealers Association (ESDA) and an ex leader of the Market who the traders said collected huge sums of money from them with assurance to relocate them to the land originally meant for an Airport project at Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area.

Narrating the ordeal in the hands of their ex leaders who ruled them for eight good years, the traders on a protest march to the headquarters of Amalgamated Market Traders Association of Anambra State (AMATAS) through their spokesman Onyekachukwu Chigboo said that during the regime of the ex-leader he brought an idea of relocating them to Oba and the traders accepted it.

Anigboo said that forms were

consequently bought and filled at the rate of N5000 and submitted the ex-leader by the traders.

Thereafter he requested another N30, 000 which was paid to him, but again she said anybody interested in owning shop in the market due to be built at Oba should cough out a whopping N1.5million.

He said that a good number of traders have paid off the said N1.5million complete while some have paid up to N400000 - N500000 without seeing the Market leader make any head towards building the market instead he now re-sells the said land at the rate of N4 million per plot for himself.

Chigboo told the President General of AMATAS, Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo that the traders are tired of trying to bringing the ex-leader to address the issue noting that he moves with armed security escort and convoy of vehicles and thus, it is not possible for the traders to approach and talk to him.

He pleaded with Ezenwankwo to draw the attention of the exleader on the matter as the traders no longer comfortable seeing somebody tie down their money for the past five years.

“This man has rendered us hopeless, some sold their landed property in the village to pay for the project and we have the document but he has made us to see him as untouchable and that there is nothing anybody could

do to him,” he added In response, Ezenwankwo thanked them for being civil enough to toe the path of peace by coming to his office to lodge complaint.

While urging them to remain

calm and peaceful, Ezenwankwo assured them that he will reach out to the ex-leader to hear his own side of the story and possibly get both parties to a round table to look at it and find solution to it.

Protesting Emodi Shoe Dealers Association (ESDA) traders at the Amalgamated Market Traders Association of Anambra State (AMATAS) Headquarters.

Umahi to corpers: Shun hate speeches Malaria accounts for 60% of hospital cases – Ebonyi govt

By CHINEDU NWAFOR

G

OVERNOR of Ebonyi state, David Umahi, has urged corps members to eschew hate speeches, including agitations which he said have contributed to the unnecessary tension in the country.

Umahi handed down the charge at National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Permanent Orientation camp, Afikpo at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2018 batch ‘A’ corps members.

“You must also shun cultism and violence but be disciplined and imbibe moral values and acceptable social behavior as captured in the NYSC motto of, ‘service and humility,’” the governor said.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hygenius Nwokwu, he urged the corps members to pay attention to the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training given to them at the camp.

“I also commend the partnership between the NYSC scheme, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Heritage Bank in building the entrepreneurship capacity of corps members through the Youth Innovative Entrepreneurship Development Progarmme (YIEDP).

Also remarking, NYSC State Coordinator in Ebonyi state, Mrs Regina Iluebbey, noted that a total of 2, 201 prospective corps members were deployed to the state, consisting of 1,116 males and 1,085 females.

“The corps members came from various states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and would undergo a 10-day intensive SAED training in the camp,” he said.

Iluebbey urged the corps members to promote the spirit of

brotherliness and love by engaging in meaningful relationship that would promote unity and love among Nigerians irrespective of tribe.

“I want to express deep appreciation to Gov. David Umahi for his positive disposition to the programme’s implementation in the state, pledging to hold his administration in high esteem.

The State Coordinator also appealed to government to urgently pay attention to several challenges confronting the scheme in the state such as general renovation of camp facilities, rehabilitation of the access road leading to the camp among others.

By CHINEDU NWAFOR

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OVERNMENT of Ebonyi state says malaria cases accounts for 60 per cent of hospital patients in the state.

State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Daniel Umezurike who disclosed this in Abakaliki, Monday, while briefing newsmen on activities mapped out to mark the 2018 World Malaria Day in the state, further noted that malaria was also responsible for morbidity in pregnant women and Under-5 children in

the state.

He said the 2018 World Malaria Day with the theme: “Ready to beat malaria”, had the key objectives to increase awareness on malaria disease, encourage the use of proven intervention measures for malaria control and sensitize the government towards increased political will and support to Roll Back malaria interventions.

Umezurike called on pregnant women to ensure they visit health care facilities across the state as the state government

Estimated billing system, daylight robbery – NUJ tells EEDC From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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he Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State Council, has called on the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to halt forthwith, its current regime of estimated billing system by providing meters to consumers.

The Council made the call in an eight-point communiqué it issued at the end of its April 2018 congress held at the NUJ Press Centre, Umuahia, describing EEDC’s arbitrary estimated billing as an unethical business practice.

“The Congress called on Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to provide consumers with the pre-paid meters and stop the regime of arbitrary estimated bills which amounts to day-light robbery,” stated the communiqué signed

by Comrade John Emejor and Comrade Victor Ndukwe, Chairman and Secretary of the Council, respectively.

The Congress equally appealed to contractors handling road projects across the country to hasten their completion before the rains set in, so as to enhance mobility, nationwide.

On the insecurity ravaging the country, “the Congress called on Security Agencies, especially the Military, to rise to the occasion by designing a strategic approach to end the menace of herdsmen whose attacks have left in their trail, loss of human lives, cash crops and buildings valued over billions of naira.”

Also, the Congress urged all stakeholders in the electoral process, including INEC and security Agencies, “to exhibit genuine patriotism and resist the temptation of being used by politicians to rig, but ensure violence-free, fair and credible general elections in 2019.”

The Council equally advised the youths against yielding themselves to be hired as political thugs for the purpose of causing mayhem during the

2019 polls.

The Congress enjoined all Nigerians to get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in readiness for the 2019 polls while urging Journalists to see it as their social responsibility to sensitize the masses on the need to obtain their PVCs to aid the election of credible leaders.

Specifically, the Congress charged journalists to endeavour to get the new national identity card of the union, the National Identity Card, as well as their PVCs. The Congress also enjoined all employers of labour to ensure prompt payment of workers’ salaries, gratuities and pensions, and to create employment opportunities for unemployed Nigerian youths.

The meeting made a passionate appeal to employers of media workers who are owing arrears of salaries to their colleagues to clear such debts without further delay in order to give the affected workers a new lease of life.

through the State’s Ministry of Health had provided some antimalaria drugs free of charge to entire populace especially pregnant women and children in the state.

“In Nigeria and Ebonyi, over 60% of hospital attendance is caused by malaria and a major cause of morbidity in pregnant women and children less than 5 years.

“Provision of free anti-malaria drugs like Sulphadoxine-Pyrithamine, SP for the prevention of malaria in pregnancy resulting to a coverage level of 44% of pregnant women accessing SP, a second to the highest position in the South East zone in 2015.

“Provision of regular government cash contribution and enabling policies and environment to attract more donor support to malaria and other health programs. Ensuring an informed budget line and release for malaria control activities of the state and LGAs estimates; creation of additional funding opportunity for malaria controls activities in the state through the saving-one-million lives program for result.

“The celebration offers an opportunity for malaria-endemic and malaria-free countries to recount and learn about the devastating consequences of the disease and for new donors to join the Global partnership against malaria.

“It’s also a chance for countries in malaria affected regions to increase awareness on the malaria disease and hence win more political will and support from Government towards the disease,” he said.

The Oracle Today

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Wednesday May 2, 2018

NEWS

2019: Methodist Church threatens members without PVC From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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HE Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN) has threatened to sanction its members who fail to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for the 2019 general elections.

The Church said that such members were bound to be denied their rights and privileges.

This is contained in a communiqué issued by the Methodist Diocese of Umuahia (a.k.a Living Spring), at the end of its 57th Annual Diocesan Synod held at the Christ Methodist Church, World Bank Circuit, Umuahia.

The communiqué was read to newsmen, Monday, by the Archbishop of Umuahia Archdiocese and Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, His Grace, Most Rev Dr Chibuzo Opoko, who presided over the five-day Synod.

“The Synod stressed the need for all who are of voting age to ensure that they obtain their permanent voters card (PVC) for 2019 general elections.

“Members of the Diocese should take the exercise serious-

ly as defaulters stand the risk of losing their rights and privileges from the Church,” read part of the Communique, singed by Archbishop and the Synod Secretary, Very Rev. Chukwuma Ugboaja.

Archbishop Opoko explained further that in enforcing the directive, members would be required to show their PVCs before they are wedded in the church or burial service is conducted for their deceased relations, among others. Leaders of various local churches were therefore charged to mobilise their members to obtain their PVCs. He said it was not enough for people to complain of bad governance when they were not part of the political process and advocated that the church members should identify with political parties where they could have the opportunity of thwarting the emergence of any incompetent person as a candidate.

The synod decried the existing insecurity in the country occasioned by the incessant slaughtering and maiming of citizens and destruction of property by

Alleged car snatcher wins N8.6m compensation

By CHINEDU NWAFOR

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EV. Bright Igwe, who was accused by the Ebonyi Police Command of snatching a car, has floored the command at the Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki.

The court also awarded the sum of eight million, six hundred thousand naira (N8.6m) in favour of the accused against the Police as damages and compensation for violation of his fundamental rights by detaining him illegally.

The accused, Igwe was alleged to have snatched a Toyota 4 Runner SUV allegedly owned by one Mr. Dennet Archibong.

In suit No. FHC/A1/CS/37/2017, the Applicants Rev. Bright Igwe and Mr Sunday Oddi (1st and 2nd Applicants) sued Archibong (1st Respondent); Inspector Anayo from SARS, Abakaliki (2nd Respondent); the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi state (3rd Respondent); Inspector Michael Bassey, Zone 6, Calabar (4th Respondent); the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 6, Calabar( 5th Respondent); and the Inspector General of Police (6th Respondent), seeking the enforcement of their Fundamental Rights allegedly violated by the Respondents.

The 2nd Applicant was said to have taken the 1st Applicant on administrative bail on October 21, 2016 at the Area Command Abakaliki over a dispute between the 1st Applicant and one Ejike Obi regarding money the 1st Applicant borrowed from the said Ejike Obi to buy a Toyota 4 Runner jeep over which the 1st Applicant was reported to the police him.

The Ist Respondent subsequently lodged a complaint to the police against the 1st Applicant on December 2, 2016 over the said vehicle and in order to apprehend the 1st Applicant, the police was said to have arrested the 2nd Applicant on April 27, 2017 and was allegedly detained, tortured, humiliated by 2nd and 3rd Respondents for two

days before he was released.

However, the 1st Applicant was said to have been arrested by the 2nd-3rd Respondents at his Uburu community in Ebonyi state on April 29, 2017, and was taken to Abakaliki the next day, from where was later “bundled and handcuffed backwards” from Abakaliki to zone 6 Calabar, Cross River state and was detained till May 22, 2017.

C.R.O. Agha, Counsel to the Respondent, emphasized that when the police arrested and detained her client, there was a pending fundamental right suit involving the same Toyota 4 Runner SUV in which the police was a party to and while the matter was still pending, the police was ordered not to arrest the 1st Applicant in relation to the said car pending the determination of the substantive suit.

She noted that there was no evidence that the vehicle alleged to have been snatched from the 1st Respondent was the same with that of the applicant.

The judge, Akintayo Aluko ruled that the harassment, embarrassment, intimidation, arrest and detention of the 1st and 2nd Applicants made by the 2nd-6th Respondents upon the instigation of the 1st Respondent was oppressive, unconstitutional and constitute a gross violation of the 1st Applicant’s fundamental rights as enshrined in sections 34(1), 35(1), and 41(1) of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria (as amended).

Aluko said: “the sum of Five Million Naira (N5, 000, 000.00) only is hereby awarded in favour of the 1st Applicant against the 2nd6th Respondents as damages and compensation for violation of his fundamental rights”.

“The sum of One Million Naira (N1, 000, 000.00) only is hereby awarded in favour of the 1st Applicant against the 1st Respondent as damages and compensation for instigating the police to violate the fundamental rights of the 1st Applicant.

Boko Haram, suspected Fulani herdsmen, cattle herders, unidentified militia men, armed robbers, kidnappers who are yet to be apprehended.

The church called on the federal government to fish out the militia men and women wielding AK-47 and other sophisticated weapons masquerading as Fulani herdsmen as a decisive step towards ending the wanton de-

struction of lives and property in the nation.

“The Synod noted that the varying accounts for the cause of the fracas between herdsmen and the communities by the Inspector-General of Police and the Minister of Defence showed lack of synergy in the response to the security situation among security chiefs and smacks of “insensitiv-

ity” on their part.

The Synod while commending President Muhammadu Buhari “on his commitment” to eradicating corruption,” flayed the government over the recently released looters’ list, pointing out that it was “laughable” and “portrays the President’s commitment as a mirage.”

• Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (r) with the Head of the International Press Institute (IPI) Media and Publicity Committee, Dr Tonnie Iredia who led the Management of the IPI to the Government House Port Harcourt, Friday, to create awareness on the 2018 World Congress to be hosted in Nigeria.

Anambra Assembly extends tenures of council chairmen, councilors

By OGE ONYEANUSI

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NAMBRA House of Assembly, in line with the state’s Local Government Law, and sequel to a letter addressed to the House to that effect by Governor Willie Obiano, has extended the tenure of the caretaker chairmen and councilors in the 21 council areas and 362 wards in the state for another three months.

Out of the 21 council chairmen confirmed at the state assembly on Thursday, April 19, during plenary, 19 were former chairmen of their respective local government areas while 2 were new entrants.

Nnamdi Nwadiogbu was appointed as chairman of Oyi Council to replace Uche Okafor (Wiper), who was appointed as Commissioner for Transport; while Arinze Aworgu was appointed as chairman of Ogbaru Council to replace Ignatius Echebiokpu.

Former council chairmen, who were returned include, Ezeibe Echezona, Aguata; Ifeadi Pious, Anambra East; Nwabunwanne Tony-Collins, Anambra West; Ikeobi Ejiofor, Anaocha; Onwuzu Callorin, Awka North; Leo Nwuba, Awka South; Ken Okolo, Ayamelum; Uchenna Umerie, Dunukofia; Ikenna Offodeme (Owelle), Ekwusigo; Raphael Nnabife (Acha), Idemili North; Don Unachukwu, Idemili South; Ifeanyi Odumegwu, Ihiala; Ozo George Edozie, Njikoka; Chukwudi Orizu, Nnewi North; Felix Odumegwu (Omus), Nnewi South; Patrick Aghamba, Onitsha North; Emeka Asoanya, Onitsha South; Emeka Aforka, Orumba North and Raymond Onyegbu, Orumba South.

Earlier before the ratification of the 21 council chairmen and 362 councilors, the Anambra Assembly, acting as Electoral College on behalf of the people they represent, reverted to the Committee of the Whole where the House read out the entire list of nominees,

and considered them one after the other. List from each local government was confirmed by Honorable member(s) representing the area before the House reverted to Plenary and ratified the nominees as being duly elected to represent their various council areas and wards.

The chairman of Idemili North council, Raphael Nnabife, who gave vote of thanks on behalf of others, thanked the House of Assembly as well as Governor Willie Obiano for the confidence reposed on them, and promised not to disappoint.

Hon (Apostle) Onyebuchi Augustine Offor, member of the state

assembly representing Ekwusigo Constituency, who spoke to newsmen after the ceremony, charged the council representatives to work for the interest of the citizens at the grassroots.

Offor, who is also the Minority Leader of the state assembly, also called on Governor Willie Obiano to expedite action towards conducting local government election in the state, as according to him, electing council representatives through electoral college such as the state assembly can never be a true reflection of the people; more so, as the people being appointed/ elected are members of the ruling APGA family.

By CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

the parties and the level of interest of all citizens of the state, the matter has now been transferred from the Nnewi High Court to Awka High Court Complex for security reasons.

Chief Onyeka also claimed that it was the same gang under the control of one of the suspects, Chinedu Akpunonu, that killed his wife, Mrs. Onyeka and six other prominent people from Ozubulu in South Africa, before the church massacre of last year.

He also alleged that the gang boasted they would continue the killings until the Ozubulu people whom they claimed were responsible for their travails, paid the $1m ransom.

“Within a short time, one man Obinna Obijeme who gave witness against Akpunonu at Igwe’s palace was shot dead in South Africa.

When we heard this we called a meeting and invited Chinedu Akpunonu, Aloysius Ikegwuonu and 20 others.

“In the meeting, I was pleading with Chinedu Akpunonu because his gang members in prison, Dozila and

Ozubulu massacre: Killers wanted $1m as ransom – Principal witness

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principal witness in the on-going court hearing of the August 6, 2017 St Phillips Catholic Church, Amakwa-Ozubulu mass murder, Chief Nkwado Onyeka has unknowingly sent shivers down the spine of most citizens of the community and environs in his submission that the masterminds of the killings had earlier demanded a ransom of $1 million or the killings would continue.

Onyeka, who in his evidence-inchief, Friday at an Awka High Court presided over by Justice F.I. Aniukwu indicated it was a doomsday foretold, disclosed that the suspects in the Ozubulu church mass killings of last year had long before the incident requested for ransom from the community’s citizens based in South Africa as a condition to stop all the killings in the community.

The former President of Ozubulu Development Union South Africa chapter stated that the demand was the genesis of all the troubles in the community.

Due to the high profile nature of

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2018

SPORTS Stories By MADUABUCHI KALU

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Neil Lennon makes World Cup case for Ambrose

Ighalo gives Rohr reason to believe in • As player targets European action with Hibernian Eagles’ attack

ollowing the rediscovery of his terrific form that made him fans favourite at Celtic Fc of Scotland few seasons ago, Hibernian FC of Scotland player, Efe Ambrose has earned the support of his club coach to make a return to the Eagles.

Ambrose, who was a part of late Stephen Keshi 2014 Super Eagles’ squad in Brazil, has received the support of his coach, Neil Lennon to return to Eagles even as the manager expressed fear losing him to other clubs following his current form.

According Neil Lennon, Ambrose has done enough to deserve a recall to the national team. More so, as the defender wanted to play for his fatherland at the Mundial. Lennon is of the hope that the Franco-German tactician would extend invitation to defender in no distant time to enable him contribute his quota in Nigeria’s quest for World Cup glory in Russia.

“I don’t know how long we can hold on to him; that tells you the type of form he is right now. We are hopeful of persuade him to stay but our chances still depends on a lot.

“If he decides to stay he should be considered for a World Cup spot by • Ambrose Efe Nigeria. He has done enough to earn to play in Europe next season. a recall and hopefully it will come coach of Hibernian of Scotland.

Meanwhile, Ambrose has disclosed The Nigerian is currently in a tersoon. Ambrose wants to play for Nigeria, and maybe that has imparted that he has set his sight on securing a rific form which has led to his coach on his form for us,” the words of the ticket for his Scottish club, Hibernian making a case for him to be included

Ndidi yet to believe World Cup reality

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igeria and Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi is currently in dream land over the reality of participating at the 2018 FIFA World Cup with the national team, the Super Eagles.

The Nigerian midfielder says he is yet to believe that it is a reality that in less than 70 days, he and his international teammates will be in Russia for this year’s FIFA World Cup representing the most populous black nation on earth.

Despite the group being dubbed very tough or group of death, Ndidi said the Super Eagles have the capacity to do more than a mere participation at the FFA World Cup. “I can explain how proud I am, every player wants to pull on the shirt for their country. So many people look for this opportunity. The entire population of Nigeria will love to be able to do this into the side,” the Leicester City midfielder began.

“I can’t believe that I will be at the World Cup for my nation, it’s amazing. I have not really have a chance to think about this much, I believe when we get to Russia then it will really sink in.

“And it’s not about going to participate; it is not about being happy just that we are part of the World Cup I feel that we can do more and that we’ll do at the FIFA World Cup,” the words of Wilfred Ndidi.

Meanwhile, Ndidi has made a return to action after serving his two match suspension by the English FA. He returned against Southampton

and helped his club who are placed 8th on the EPL table get a point as the game against Southampton ended 0-0.

It is recalled that Ndidi played a pivotal role en-route Eagles’ World Cup Qualification. The highly rated midfielder is currently attracting a lot of interest from high profile clubs such as Arsenal who have already made contact with Leicester City with the hope of concluding the deal before the World Cup as Wenger fears that the Nigerian profile will skyrocket if he does well at the World Cup. It is also important to note that Ndidi has been an important member of Leicester City squad since making transfer from Genk of Belgium in 2016. When he suspended recently by the English FA, his Manager Claude Puel, did not hide his frustration at his lost, saying it will be difficult to find a replacement for midfielder.

“Of course he is a valuable player for us,” said Puel, who felt the second yellow was a harsh decision.

“He is like other important players for us. He recovers a lot of possession and he has improved in possession also.

“He prevents the opponents form hitting us on the counter attack and he has been a fantastic player for us since the beginning of the season.

“To lose Wilfred at this point of the season is harsh for us because we have not got a lot of players with the same attributes. We will find a solution collectively,” Puel said.

• Wilfred Ndidi

in Eagles World Cup but only Gernot Rohr will determine whether he will be able to accommodate him or not.

Ambrose helped his relatively moderate side finished fourth with 59 points in the regular season.

The former Celtic star explained that playing in Europe with Hibernian is the priority as they prepare for championship playoffs.

“My target now is to help my team secure a ticket to play in Europe,” he disclosed.

“We finished fourth in the regular season and we are looking forward to the playoffs that start in two weeks.

“I have always been there and want to be there again with Hibernian.”

Hibernian will feature in the playoffs with Celtic, Aberdeen, Kilmanock • Odion Ighalo and Hearts. uper Eagles and Yatai Changchun The AFCON 2013 winners has won forward, Odion Jude Ighalo has Scottish league four times, Champigiven Super Eagles’ Technical Adonship (second-tier) once, FA Cup viser, Gernot Rohr reason to believe once and two League Cups. in the potency of Eagles attack barely 50days to the commencement of the biggest football fiesta, the FIFA World Cup. The Edo State born goal-poacher gave the national team’s gaffer the reason he should not fear going to the Mundial when on Saturday he pumped in four goals into their opponents’ net, thereby equaling Chinese Super League record of the highest goals scored in a single match by an individual.

Ighalo scored four times in the 24th, 38th, 86th and 90th and was yellow carded in the 80th minute as his club Changchun Yatai won 2-5 away to Guizhou Hengfeng.

The Changchun Yatai is one of the players that the Super Eagles’ manager, Gernot Rohr is counting on for a successful outing in Vladimir’s country of Russia when hostilities begin in less than 60 days at the Mundial.

Reacting to the four goals that he scored on Saturday the former Watford of England forward said: “I have not been lucky in front of goal but God gave all the ones that have not been entering since the start of the season at once.

“I am happy and I have been working hard to perfect finishing in front of goal and it was a good performance for the team too,” he declared.

Ighalo now has five goals for Changchun Yatai from seven games.

In a related development, out of favoured Leicester City striker, Ahmed Musa on Sunday scored a second half brace for his former club, CSKA Moscow to recued them from defeat as CSKA Moscow came from behind to beat Kuban Krasnodar 2-1 in the Russian Premier League on Sunday.

This exploits of Super Eagles’ players will certainly gladdens the heart of Eagles’ technical adviser who has been worried ensured that the visitors ran away with the maximum points.

Musa’s has since returning to his former Club, CSKA Moscow has since rediscovered his form that made former Leicester manager, Claudio Ranieri to break the club record to secure his services.

S

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 2, 2018

SPORTS C’wealth Games 2018: Etoroma lampoons Dalung

• Says “defects are reflection of political/economic realities in Nigeria” Stories By MADUABUCHI KALU

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on. Ejiro Etoroma, a former member of Delta State Sports Commission has taken a swipe on the Hon. Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Hon. Solomon Dalung for rating the performance of “Team Nigeria” to the recently concluded XXI edition of the Commonwealth Games better than the 2014 edition.

According to Etoroma, the declaration of the Hon Minister of Sports is most unfortunate as he (Etoroma) does not know the criteria Barrister Dalung used to come up with his most unfortunate declaration that the country’s performance in this year’s Commonwealth Games is better than the previous edition that was held in Glasgow, Scotland.

For Hon. Etoroma, the statement credited to Dalung is a reflection of the extent that Nigeria has sunk since the coming to power by the President Muhammadu Buhari led All Progressives Congress (APC).

The renowned sports administrator is of the opinion that the country is not performing up its potentials would like those at the helm of affairs to wake up to their responsibilities to enable the country take her pride of place in comity of sporting nations.

“Well, the statement credited to the Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, that the 9gold, 9silver and 6bronze medals that the country won in Gold Coast, Australia is better than the 11gold 11silver and 14 bronze we won in Glasgow in 2014 is to say the least most unfortunate,” Hon.

Etoroma began.

“As far as I am concerned, that statement by the Minister is most unfortunate. It is a reflection of how we have sank in this country since the coming to power of President Muhammadu Buhari led All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I do not know what informed the minister’s assertion that 9gold, 9silver and 6bronze totaling 24 medals are better than 36 medals we won in Scotland in 2014.

“In Glasgow, we won 11gold, 11silver and 14 bronze medals bringing the total medals’ haul to 36 and we were placed 8th on the overall medal’s table whereas this year, we won 9gold, 9silver and 6bronze with a total of 24 medals and we were placed 9th. I don’t understand how 36 medals is less in value to 24medals or how 11 gold medals are less in value to 9 gold medals.

“No matter the reason he may have adduced for his declaration, I think he didn’t get it right,” Etoroma declared.

Continuing he said: “I have always advocated that we should always prioritise our sporting events by concentrating on the events that we have comparative advantage to enable us take our pride of place in global and regional sporting fiestas.

“Nigeria is the biggest black nation on earth and coming 9th at the Commonwealth Games is a shame because we are not matching our potentials. We should concentrate on events we have comparative advantage.

“I don’t see the need for the Minister to be thumping his chest over

24 medals at Games instead of hiding his face in shame,” Etoroma declared.

Speaking on the issue of defection by athletes and officials during the Games in Gold Coast, Etoroma said: “Let me first and foremost start from the political angle to the situation of defection of our athletes and coaches at the Games.

“It is very unfortunate I must say.

I do not encourage it but then, the situation in the country is so bad that you may not have the moral right to condemn those that have defected because the situation is even getting worse on daily basis.

“The defection of some of our athletes and coaches is the true reflection of the economic and political realities in our country today.

“Since the country’s participation in regional and global sports meets, the rate of defections that occurred this time has never been witnessed and that got to show the precarious situation in the country.

“Events of the recent times do not encourage or give people hope of a better tomorrow because things are getting worse every day,” Etoroma said.

“A situation whereby someone stays without knowing where the next meal will come from and the person happened to see a clue on how to get out of such a situation, what do you expect him to do? That’s the question.

“So, I don’t really blame them despite the fact that I don’t encourage it either; because it does not give the country good image,” Hon. Etoroma said.

Igali heaps praises on wrestlers

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he President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Hon. Daniel Igali has heaped praises on Nigerian Wrestlers to the recently-concluded XXI Commonwealth Games Gold Coast Australia saying he is extremely satisfied with their performances.

The wrestlers won 8medals, 3gold, 2silver and 3bronze medals at the Games, accounting for over 30 per cent of the overall medals of 24 won

by Team Nigeria in Gold Coast. And the member of Bayelsa State House of Assembly is really a happy man and who wouldn’t be.

“I am extremely satisfied with the performances of our athletes. Before we left for the XXI edition of the Commonwealth Games in Australia, I told the country that everyone we had in our team have opportunity of winning a medal. And indeed at the competition, everyone deed had a chance to win a medal. Four were unlucky not to win but everybody gave a good account of themselves.

“With 3gold, 2silver and 3bronze medals by far, the runner away winners of the female wrestling tournament of wrestling tournament at the Commonwealth Games. Winning 3gold, 1silver and bronze medals in female category placing overall first ahead Canada and India in the female category was just fantastic,” Igali declared.

On how his federation was able to achieve the feat in Australia Igali said: “I think our achievement was down to our preparations.

“I know we had very closed camp.

We really had focused camping in Bayelsa for two months because we knew we had lots of challenges.

• Hon Daniel Igali “We studied a lot of tapes. We reviewed the styles of opponents, we went back to matches we lost to all the people we won against at this tournament. We really got prepared for the Games.

“But I must also tell you that Governor Wike Wrestling Classics that we had in November and the African Championships in February really prepared these athletes for this tournament,” Igali confessed.

Nigeria was placed 9th at the end of the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast Australia with 9gold, 9silve and 6bronze medal bringing the country’s total medals’ haul to 24.

I can’t wait for start of World Cup – Odegbami

Why Nigeria couldn’t win weightlifting medal – Iquaibom F

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kwa Ibom State Director of Sports and former national Weightlifting champion, Lawrance Iquaibom, has given reason the country’s weightlifting athletes to just-concluded XXI Commonwealth Games tagged“ “Gold Coast” 2018 could not win a single medal which he described as the worst ever outing for the country since weightlifting made it in international competition for the country.

According to him the athletes and the coaches are not to blame for the disastrous outing of the Nigerian weightlifting team in Gold Coast Australia.

He said the blame should put on the doorstep of Ministry who couldn’t provide the finances for the Nigerian weightlifting athletes to participate some international events.

“I must say that it is unfortunate that weightlifting had a very disastrous outing at the just concluded Commonwealth Games tagged “Gold Coast 2018” as we did not win a single medal at the Games for the very first time since weightlifting made it to international championships,” Iquaibom began.

“The inability of the Nigerian weightlifting team to the just-concluded XXI Commonwealth Games is not the fault of the athletes or that of the coaches.

“As a matter of fact, this is the worst Commonwealth Games that we have ever participated in since

weightlifting in Nigeria made its debut in 1984 in international competition,” Iquaibom lamented.

Speaking on his participation at the Games as one of the technical officials invited by the world governing body of weightlifting, the Akwa Ibom Sports Director expressed satisfaction with performance as he gave his all to the admiration of the global weightlifting body the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF).

He expressed gratitude to God that the Games were successful even as he revealed that he departed Gold Coast before the end of the Games; having finished his assignment as given to him by the world weightlifting Federation.

“As you are aware I went to the XXI edition of the Commonwealth Games through the invitation of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) as one of the technical officials that officiated at the Games.

“Well, we thank God the whole event was successful. I must say that I am satisfied with my performances at the Games as I discharged my duties without any challenges. I am happy with what I did and the IWF was also very happy with my performances at the Games.

“Like I said earlier, I was that Gold Coast Commonwealth Game at the instance of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) as one of the technical officials that officiated during the Games.

• Iquaibom “I left Australia before the close of the Games because I had finished my assignment before the close of the Games so I had no reason to remain in Australia a day longer than necessary.

“The only sour point at the Games was the inability of weightlifting to win any colour of medal for the country. I believe this should serve as a wakeup call for the Ministry to ensure that our athletes take part in most of the international qualifying competitions,” Iquaibom said.

ormer national team goal poacher and captain, Segun Odegbami, has declared that he cannot wait for the start of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The former national team striker popularly called “Mathematician” by his numerous admirers during his hey days says everything should go well for Nigeria as the World Cup is the best way to judge any team.

Odegbami, one of the national team players that won the country her first continental trophy in 1980, has contributed immensely to the development of football and sports generally in Nigeria.

It is recalled that Odegbami was instrumental for the country’s first individual Olympic Gold medal as he was the brain behind the success of Chioma Ajunwa at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Chioma it is recalled won the country’s first ever individual gold medal in long jump in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, in the United States of America.

This he was able to achieve by seeing the potential in Ajunwa when no other person could do including the Sports Ministry but Odegbami being a sports person knew that Ajunwa has something to offer and supported her all the way.

“I think that everything should go well for Nigeria. The team have done well so far in their preparations for the World Cup. And the

• Odegbami Federation have equally done well with their plans for the team for the Mundial,” Odegbami began.

“The best way to assess any team is the World Cup. That is why I am eager to see Eagles play at the Mundial.

“As a matter of fact, I can’t wait for the World Cup to start. The world Cup is the best place to assess the Super Eagles,” Odegbami said.

The Oracle Today

47

Wednesday May 2, 2018

NEWS

Insecurity: NASS should have removed Buhari by now – Ozoanaekwe THEO RAYS, Onitsha

F

OLLOWING the killings going on around Nigeria since the inception of the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, an ex-market leader in Onitsha, Chief Pius Ozoanaekwe is of the opinion that the National Assembly should have impeached President Muhammadu Buhari by now.

Ozoanaekwe in a chat with The Oracle Today wondered why

Breach of contract: Farmer sues poultry feeds producers for N56.174m

Buhari should continue to allow the Fulani herdsmen to massacre people without reasonable measures taken to checkmate them, further noting with dismay that Buhari has not made any meaningful move against the killer herdsmen.

“People are being killed like chickens every day and the president is keeping quiet, under the security circumstance in Nigeria Buhari is supposed to have sent all the service chiefs packing.

Sacking the service chiefs shows

that he is not happy with the situation but his silence shows that he is not capable to rule this country and that is why he is supposed to be impeached,” he said.

The ex-market leader who served as the President of Onitsha Market Amalgamated Traders Association (OMATA) called on the Senate and the Federal House of Representatives to, as matter of urgency, commence impeachment proceedings against Buhari ‘without further delay as Buhari has no reason to

continue sitting in office while Nigerians are being killed on daily basis.’

He said that it is shameful on the side of Buhari to say that some militants trained by late Libyan leader Mammar Gaddafi are responsible for the killings in Nigeria, asking why Nigerian security agencies should fold their hands and allow foreign-trained militants invade the country and kill people at will.

He dismissed Buhari’s declaration for a second tenure saying

National Housing Programme creates 3,000 jobs in Edo – Official

T

By IBE NWACHUKWU

H

earing is expected to continue at an Onitsha High Court No. I in Anambra State on June 2, this year in a N56,174,106 civil suit instituted by an Onitsha-based poultry farmer and poultry feeds distributor, Chidozie Obeleagu, against the management of of Eastern Premier Feed Mills Limited, Calabar, Cross River state.

The matter had been called up yesterday, but the defence counsel, Fidelis Obi Onyebueke drew the attention of the court to a motion on notice which he filed to dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction but asked for an adjournment to enable him file his statement of defence and tidy up all the loose ends.

Onyebueke said he could not proceed the matter with only the motion to dismiss the suit without first of all filing his statement of defence, adding that before the next adjourned date, he would have perfected everything in readiness for the legal fireworks At this juncture, Barrister Kenneth Ogbue who held brief for the counsel to the plaintiff, Ike Odionu Esq., made an oral application asking the court to award a cost of N15,000 in favour of the plaintiff against the defendant for negligence, adding that the cost would make them to sit up.

In her ruling, the presiding Judge, Justice Ijem Onwuamegbu, awarded a N10,000 cost in favour of the plaintiff, against the defendant for failure to file their statement of defence before the court but only filed a motion seeking to dismiss the case for lack of jurisdiction.

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

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

He noted that out of this amount, N50 million is for general/exemplary damages for breach of contract/ warranty, while the rest are for litigation and total monetary loss of the birds in his poultry farm, including 1,600 broilers of six weeks old with a market price of N1,500 each and 678 broilers of 11 weeks old with a market price of N2,000 each.

that all political parties that field presidential candidates in 2019 will defeat the All Progressives Congress Congress (APC) if APC ends up fielding Buhari as its candidate.

“Buhari has done nothing to warrant his reelection bid and believe you me, APC will take the last seat if the party fields Buhari as its candidate because it is clear that anybody who votes for APC is voting for continued killing in the country,” he added

• Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike (r) with President of Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev Sampson Ayokunle, during the 105th Annual Convention of the Nigerian Baptist Convention at Ndele, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, weekend.

Makurdi Catholic Diocese confirms killing of two priests The Catholic Diocese of Makurdi has confirmed the killing of two of its priests, Rev Fathers Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha, in an early Tuesday attack on St Ignatius Quasi Parish, Ukpor, Mbalom in Gwer West Local Government Council of Benue.

A statement by its Director of Communications, Rev Fr Moses Iorapuu, said that the attacks were perpetrated by herdsmen who stormed the Mbalom community and killed the two priests during the morning mass at the church.

The Diocese expressed regret at the nonchalant attitude of the security agencies in containing the killings.

It said the herdsmen, who stormed the community, burnt down houses, destroyed crops and killed people.

The church, therefore, urged the

relevant authorities to stop the killings in the Benue valley.

Iorapuu said the Diocese had been active in providing food and relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s) since the onset of hostilities in the state and wondered why it could be marked as a target of attacks.

“The attacks on the priests is an attack on everything that we ever stood for and believed in.”

Meanwhile, concerted efforts to get reaction from the Benue Police Command failed as its Public Relations Officer, ASP Moses Yamu, was not forthcoming with remarks.

Meanwhile, the state Police Command in Benue has confirmed the killing of 16 people, including two Catholic priests, in fresh attacks on Mbalon community in Gwer Local Government Area.

State Commissioner of Police, Mr Owoseni Fatai, told newsmen on Tuesday in Makurdi that unknown gunmen, suspected to be herdsmen, opened fire on Catholic worshiFor news 9pers during morning Mass on Tuesday.

“The worshipers were attacked around 5 a.m. during morning Mass. Other victims were killed during a burial ceremony later in the day,” he said.

Fatai, who described the attacks as “unfortunate”, vowed to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

He said that preliminary investigation had revealed that the herdsmen had stayed around the area for sometime before carrying out the attacks.

The commissioner said that more Police personnel had been deployed to the area to forestall further attacks.

N17.82 billion over the 2017 figure.

Banjo said the state recorded N103.48 billion in absolute Terms and Internally Generated Revenue (TIGR) in 2018, representing an increase of 73 per cent over N96.78 recorded in 2017.

Banjo noted that the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) generated N84.19 billion in the first quarter of 2018, which accounted for 81 per cent of TIRG and 59 per cent in total revenue compared to N74.55 billion in 2017.

According to him, the figure

translated to 77 per cent of TIGR and 60 per cent of total revenue while it recorded N9.65 billion in absolute terms during the first quarter of 2018.

Under Capital expenditure, Banjo said the state’s performance in the first quarter stood at N93.01 billion in 2018 as against N46.72 billion recorded in same period in 2017.

Banjo said that at the end of the first quarter of 2018, the capital to recurrent ratio closed at 57 to 43 as against 39 to 61 recorded in the corresponding period of 2017.

Lagos govt. records N141.96bn revenue in Q1, 2018

L

agos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr Olusegun Banjo, Tuesday, said the state recorded a revenue of N141.96 billion in the first quarter of 2018.

Banjo said this at the ongoing ministerial briefing to mark Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode’s third year in office at Alausa, Lagos.

Banjo said the figure represented an increase of 63 per cent against the N124.14 billion achieved in the corresponding period of 2017.

According to him, the budget also recorded an increase of

he ongoing National Housing Programme (NHP) by the Federal Government in Benin, Edo, has generated over 3,000 employments and empowerment to Nigerians within the locality.

Team Leader, NHP, Edo, Mrs Ebemeata Ani-Otoibhi, who made this known on Tuesday in Benin while briefing newsmen after the inspection of the project, said that the ongoing project with about 12 different contractors has attained 80 per cent completion.

The inspection was part of the South-South Zone media inspection organised by the Ministry Power, Works and Housing.

The 64-unit housing project is located at Idumwen-Ehigie, along Benin-Auchi road in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of the state.

“Since the inception of the project, more than 3,000 skilled and unskilled workers, including contractors, artisans, building materials suppliers, block moulders; food vendors and security guards have been employed.

“These people have impacted positively on the lives of the people and this is one of the objectives of the project. So, the objectives are to address and improve socio-economic conditions through employment generation, poverty alleviation and empowerment of people within the locality,’’ she said.

Ani-Otoibhi noted that the project, which started in March 2017, would finally be completed

by June 2018.

She added that the project has also increased commercial activities in the state as well as enhancing development in the location.

“We have some security challenges arising from community issues but we have not experienced theft because we employed day and night security guard in the site.’’

The road contractor, Mr James Okafor said that the company has been able to clear the soil and would be filling the soil immediately after evacuation.

“The project has impacted on me positively because I have been able to foot my bills, take care of my family. The project has also helped me to settle some other financial challenges, which I was not able to do before the commencement of the project.

“More than 10 people are working under our company and we intend to employ more people. We have surveyors, engineers among others working with us.

Okafor noted that non mobilisation of fund was one of the challenges facing the company presently.

WEDNESDAY May 2, 2018

The

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Lies, statistics, lives

S

TATISTICS are too important that we should not joke with them. Yet, once someone starts a conversation with, “Let’s be serious”, or “I am not joking”, the essences of the remark distract me more than if he had begun without the warning.

Do I need to repeat that statistics are important?

I guess I have distracted you enough to make you impatient, again, my guess. I dreaded figures for most of my younger days (something that lends credence to lazy youths?). I have not completely overcome that fright. At least I managed mine better.

I had a classmate who made sure he sat beside a window each time we changed classes. If he didn’t like a particular subject, he vamoosed through the window.

Had I not lacked similar courage, mathematics, and its affiliates would have driven me to such ends. I have therefore elected to wage my own war on statistics, which I admire for a phrase it donated to me, central tendency.

As elections draw near, statistics are flying all over the sphere, over what one government did, and did not do. It would seem that the purpose of politics is statistics. Statistics are the soul of politics, especially if we are playing tricks on the people. What else do we do?

The purpose of statistics is to allow sets of data to be compared so that analysts can look for meaningful trends and changes. Analysts review the data so that they can reach conclusions regarding their meaning. Statistics allow people to see how things are or are not correlated and how a change in one variable might affect another, according to The Fourth Group, an online community of teachers and learners who are projecting the fourth industrial revolution.

Classical reasons for statistics are stated above. Are they what we see? Are they how we use statistics? How do we use statistics?

Do we use statistics?

At the point of getting confused on the meaning of the statistics that litter the landscape, I tried to investigate the purpose of politics since statistics are dousing. I have always assumed politics had purpose, no matter what politicians did to me and others who have high expectations, based on promises people make while their eyes at the prize, with us as the price.

The purpose of politics is to enable the members of a society to collectively achieve important human goals they cannot otherwise achieve individually. Through negotiation, debate, legislation and other political structures, politics procures safety, order and general welfare within the state. The question of the precise ends of politics is one of the greatest, and most inconclusive, in philosophy, as manifested by the divisive, heated debates among political parties, The Fourth Group, again is my guide.

Elections, tenure, mandates, exclusion, sole candidature, individualism are not mentioned in the definitions of “why politics”. In essence, “important human goals”, goals that we cannot achieve alone, order, safety, general welfare, are deemed the needs of a society that its members should come together to achieve.

Statistics could enable society to achieve these goals, if the politics of the society is about “important human goals”. In these parts we call them “dividends of democra-

cy”. The eponymous uses of democracy are dynamic.

Just like statistics, “dividends of democracy” mean nothing unless they are related to “important human goals”. At best they are befuddlements that are used to abridge our quest for answers about how we are making our society orderly, safe, and catering to the general welfare of the people.

Politics should have the people as its heart and soul. I imagine politicians know that.

Being momentary in their relations with the people (they are actual known as voters), politicians seeks to put issues on platforms that would circumscribe the people’s access to them, through politics, the elevation of the very essences of society to secrecy.

Statistics are handy in this chosen path.

There are several derogatory quotes about statistics, the famous of which nobody au-

thentically claims. “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics,” is often attributed to British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, who passed on in 1881. The quote is not in any of his works and came into use years after his death.

Mark Twain popularised the line in 1906, “Figures often beguile me,” he wrote, “particularly when I have the arranging of them myself; in which case the remark attributed to Disraeli would often apply with justice and force: ‘There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.” Whoever said it, the fact remains that concerns over the use of statistics has been around for some time.

American journalist turned writer, Darrell Huff, in his famous 1954 book, How to lie with statistics, brought a centre focus to the heinous claims that could be made with figures.

If “lies, damned lies, and statistics” is more

than 137 years old, it would not surprise anyone that a more detailed work would follow.

A reviewer said of the book, “In the 1960s and 1970s, it became a standard textbook introduction to the subject of statistics for many college students. It has become one of the best-selling statistics books in history, with over one and a half million copies sold in the English-language edition. It has also been widely translated. It also shows how statistical graphs can be used to distort reality, for example by truncating the bottom of a line or bar chart, so that differences seem larger than they are, or by representing one-dimensional quantities on a pictogram by two- or three-dimensional objects to compare their sizes, so that the reader forgets that the images do not scale the same way the quantities do”.

When the politicians want to dazzle you with the volume of electricity that was generated, and you do not have light, the huge savings in foreign exchange, and prices of things are rising, the high number of jobs created, yet all you know are people losing jobs, and the prices of food stuffs that are not the prices in the markets, then you know that someone is fiddling with figures to attain “important human goals”.

Why would Huff write a book to teach, “lies, damned lies” as statistics have been rated? His answer nails it.

“This is a primer on how to use statistics to deceive,” he explained in the introduction.

“It may altogether seem too much of a manual for swindlers. The crooks always know these tricks; honest men must learn them in self-defence.”

As 2019 approaches, we have to be prepared to outsmart politicians who neglect “important human goals” in the game for survival.

The Oracle Today is published by The Oracle Newspapers Limited. Head Office: 116 Awka Road, Onitsha. Lagos Office: 25 Remi Fani-Kayode Street, GRA Ikeja. Abuja Office: 1st Floor, Plateau House, Central Business District, Abuja, FCT. ISSN: 2545-5869 Email: oracletoday2016@yahoo.com, Twitter: @oraclenews.ng Facebook: oraclenews.ng@facebook.com Website: www.oraclenews.ng Advert hot lines: 09078310060, 09061836916. Editor: FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU.